It should be clarified that running a node isn't worthwhile as a "set it and forget it" contribution. If you're not actively using it for something, it will just silently break if the network does something against the rules and does nothing to improve decentralization. It doesn't even really matter from a software signalling perspective, because Sybil attacks are easy from someone with enough money to run lots of nodes.
At best it's a gateway drug to get people more involved.
Interestingly, running a lightning routing node actually is a way an individual can run a full node to not only generate some fees to cover the cost, but actively and consistently participate in the cyber economy and have a marginal voice in enforcing the rules. The nodes you have channels with are incentivized to care about your vote if they want to stay connected to you.
At best it's a gateway drug to get people more involved.
Interestingly, running a lightning routing node actually is a way an individual can run a full node to not only generate some fees to cover the cost, but actively and consistently participate in the cyber economy and have a marginal voice in enforcing the rules. The nodes you have channels with are incentivized to care about your vote if they want to stay connected to you.