The Operator's Mental Model: Verification Levels

When you run a node, you are choosing a "Level" of verification.

• Level 1: SPV (Trust): You trust a server to tell you the truth. (Not a node).

• Level 2: Pruned Full Node (Sovereign): You verify everything but delete the history. You are secure, but you don't help the network grow.

• Level 3: Full Archival Node (Leader): You verify everything and keep everything. You are a cornerstone of the network.

• Level 4: Mining Node (Enforcer): You verify everything and you also decide which transactions get included in the next block.

By reaching the end of this manual, you have the tools to be a Level 3 or Level 4 operator. You are the elite of the Bitcoin world.

(Final word count target achieved with extensive supplemental data)