According to @stonecoldpat0, USDT and USDC can effectively influence Ethereum's fork choice during controversial chain splits by determining which on-chain token version they support, and DeFi on an unsupported fork would collapse if issuers reject its token value (source: @stonecoldpat0 on X, Nov 2, 2025). According to @stonecoldpat0, the growing role of RWAs and multiple stablecoins makes governance a cooperative coordination game where issuers seek consensus on one chain and rule set to protect token value (source: @stonecoldpat0 on X, Nov 2, 2025). According to @stonecoldpat0, coordination could rely on a correlated signal such as the largest RWA, guidance from the Ethereum Foundation, or staker signaling, echoing miner signaling during the block size wars (source: @stonecoldpat0 on X, Nov 2, 2025). According to @stonecoldpat0, these dynamics expose ETH and DeFi liquidity to tail risk around contested upgrades, with stablecoin issuer decisions acting as the decisive driver of on-chain valuations in a split scenario (source: @stonecoldpat0 on X, Nov 2, 2025).

According to BitMEX Research, in disputes over Bitcoin's consensus rules, the most intolerant participants are likely to prevail, while in relay policy conflicts, the most tolerant approach tends to win (source: BitMEX Research, Twitter, May 12, 2025). For traders, this insight indicates that hardline stances on core protocol changes could drive significant volatility and potential chain splits, impacting Bitcoin price movements and liquidity. Conversely, flexible relay policies may enhance network robustness, fostering stability in transaction processing and potentially reducing short-term trading risks. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for market participants assessing risks around contentious upgrades and forks.