BIP-110 New Proof-of-Work Algorithm Selection Descends into Chaos, Luke Dashjr Proposes Using Last Character of Testnet4 Block Hash to Determine Algorithm

Odaily Planet Daily News: Bitcoin News posted on the X platform stating that the process of selecting a new proof-of-work algorithm for the BIP-110 fork has descended into chaos. Luke Dashjr proposed using the last character of the hash of the first Testnet4 block appearing after 14:00 UTC to determine the algorithm. Peter Todd called the approach an "extremely crazy decision," noting that the mining cost of Testnet4 blocks is low enough that someone could deliberately recalculate hashes repeatedly to force the result toward their preferred algorithm. Subsequently, multiple competing Testnet4 blocks appeared at the same height. In the BIP-110 Discord, Luke Dashjr responded: "I'm even more confused now." One participant said they had already ordered Blake2b ASICs before the algorithm was confirmed, and later remarked, "I guess I'll cancel the order." Luke Dashjr later admitted that Testnet4 "is not a good way to do this" and suggested that a valid Bitcoin block could be considered instead. Giacomo Zucco stated that this incident demonstrates how it is now nearly impossible to "restart Bitcoin" in a fair manner.