According to Mihir (@RhythmicAnalyst), the true degree of decentralization in blockchain technology is determined by the number of decision-makers participating in the voting system for protocol changes, not merely the total node count (source: Twitter, May 5, 2025). This distinction is crucial for crypto traders because blockchains with a broader, more distributed group of protocol decision-makers typically offer greater resistance to centralization risks, which can affect network security and token price stability. Understanding this metric can help traders evaluate the resilience and long-term viability of different blockchain projects, especially when comparing governance models among top cryptocurrencies.