1. Lack of real economic incentives:
https://altquick.com/exchange/market/BitcoinTestnet3https://altquick.com/exchange/market/BitcoinTestnet4Dude, Testnet fits with Bitcoin like a glove.
In the future, this will become easier as people do "Wrapped" Testnet directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, and it will be traded on DeFi exchanges.
OP_Return being removed will make this "easier".
Bitcoin miners are going to get their little taste from activity, and as long as people are paid off, who cares?
2. different fee market dynamics:
If you want to test how much income stupid fees actually generate vs big fat block rewards, give it a shot. There are plenty of fees in v4 Testnet because it is fastest to submit a block with 0 transactions. Feel free to take them, but you'll be doing it for sport. (
I pool mine them for fun & to help the network move around.)
4. artificial usage patterns:
Again, who cares? Mine the fees if you feel that strongly about it.
5. value dictates everything:
It certainly does not. However, value helps outline flaws, which is a fundamental part of Testnet for at least some people, apparently.
Starting to feel a bit off topic. I feel like the forum needs a Testnet section at this point.