The value proposition of EIP-7683, which aims to standardize cross-chain trade execution, is indeed compelling. The potential to streamline cross-chain interactions by providing a unified interface is a significant step forward. However, there are several areas where this proposal could be further enhanced:
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Title and Scope:
- The title “Cross Chain Intents” is somewhat misleading. The term “intent” is highly generalized and can encompass a wide range of actions beyond just token trades. In the context of blockchain, intents can represent any programmable action, from complex financial transactions to staking and governance activities. A more precise title could help set accurate expectations.
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Current Limitations:
- As it stands, the proposal primarily facilitates cross-chain token trades using a Request for Quote (RFQ) mechanism. While this is useful, it does not significantly differentiate itself from existing primitives. The current demand in the ecosystem is for more generalized standards that can support a broader range of cross-chain activities. For instance, enabling users to purchase a token on one chain and automatically stake it in a protocol on another chain would provide greater utility.
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Scalability and Security Considerations:
- The proposal should address how it will scale for Rollups, considering their unique security and finality challenges. Rollups often have delayed transaction finality, and understanding how disputes and resolutions will be handled in the case of rollbacks is crucial. Clarifying these mechanisms will be vital for ensuring robustness and user trust.
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Potential for Expansion:
- There is a promising opportunity for this standard to evolve into something more sophisticated. Allowing users to express complex intents and having these intents executed by fillers (entities with the necessary funds and capabilities) can open up a myriad of possibilities. Fillers, essentially acting as service providers, could execute a wide range of instructions, from simple swaps to intricate financial operations, in exchange for fees and potential refunds.
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Generalized Intent Execution:
- The vision should expand towards enabling fillers to carry out a broader set of user-defined actions. This could involve complex transactions that span multiple protocols and chains, thereby significantly enhancing the user experience and the functional scope of cross-chain interactions.
We at Router Protocol are tirelessly trying to solve for chain-abstraction, which is our key area of focus. We are happy to ideate and collaborate to make web3 more simple and usable. In conclusion, while EIP-7683 lays a solid foundation for cross-chain trade execution, its true potential lies in broadening its scope to encompass a wider range of blockchain activities. Addressing scalability and security for Rollups and enabling more complex intent executions could transform this proposal into a cornerstone of cross-chain interoperability.