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Plain Model Impossibility

Definition

Plain model impossibility refers to the theoretical limitations that prevent a simple or ideal system design from achieving all desired properties simultaneously. In the context of decentralized systems and blockchain, this often relates to fundamental trade-offs, such as the scalability, decentralization, and security trilemma, where optimizing one aspect may compromise another. It signifies that certain ideal outcomes cannot be achieved through straightforward or uncomplicated models due to inherent constraints. Designers must therefore make considered compromises when building robust protocols.