Pi Coin Node Centralization Sparks Controversy; $1 a Resistance Level

Pi Network's SuperNodes play a key role in validating transactions and maintaining the blockchain, but their selection process remains opaque, further exacerbating doubts about the decentralization and fairness of Pi Network.

During the testnet phase, Pi Network only ran 3 SuperNodes, all managed by PCT (Pi Core Team) and located only in Canada and Finland. This highly centralized model stands in stark contrast to the distribution of thousands of nodes around the world on major blockchains such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

According to Piscan.io data, the number of active nodes has now increased to 42, including 3 major validators. However, the identities and operations of these nodes remain opaque, raising questions: Is this true decentralization or just a token move by the PCT?

After transitioning to an open network, PCT claims to have expanded the role of SuperNode to the Pioneer community. But the specific criteria for becoming a SuperNode remain unknown, with no published list of selected SuperNodes and no detailed reports on the number of approved Pioneers.

A Reddit post asked "What is SuperNode?" The team's response was vague, only emphasizing its technical role without explaining how to participate.

In addition to SuperNodes, many Pioneers expressed dissatisfaction for running nodes without receiving any rewards. One Reddit user even said that their node had been running for months with no results.

This raises a deeper question: Do ordinary Pioneers really have a chance to become a SuperNode? Or is this process limited to a select few with inside information or powerful resources? If SuperNode requires high-performance hardware, most users may be excluded, which runs counter to the "simple action mining" concept advocated by Pi Network.

Justin Bons, founder and chief investment officer of Cyber Capital, recently bluntly called Pi Network a scam and pointed out that its technology, token economic model (Tokenomics) and centralization have serious flaws.

• Pi relies on Stellar technology and does not demonstrate true blockchain innovation.

• The lack of decentralized finance (DeFi) potential makes it difficult to become a true public chain project.

• The mining model is similar to a Ponzi scheme and cannot support long-term development.

• Although the Pi Network community is developing PiDaoSwap to prevent price manipulation and launching the .pi domain name, the price of Pi has fallen below $1, reporting $0.9486 as of the deadline, down more than 5% on the day.

SuperNodes are a key component of the Pi Network, but the way they are currently managed contradicts the project’s promised decentralization.

To build trust and fairness, the mainstream view is that the PCT must:

• Public SuperNode selection criteria

• Release the approved node list

• Establish a clear reward mechanism for participants

Only by doing this can Pi Network wash away the negative impression of "Old Man Coin" and Ponzi schemes and truly develop into a decentralized and fair cryptocurrency ecosystem that benefits all Pioneers.