When Ethos offered a choice between claiming an NFT or staking XP to validators, the decision seemed straightforward: go for the stake.

I delegated to validator #105, and here's my reasoning—it's not about missing out on collectibles. The real play is understanding what builds protocol strength. A network's security and long-term viability come down to participation alignment. More validators staking means more skin in the game, which translates to better incentives and stronger defense against attacks.

Staking isn't just yield farming. It's a commitment to the ecosystem's health. Bigger stake pools = healthier network = better value for everyone holding long-term positions.

If you're considering delegation, remember: your validator choice matters. Look for active, reliable operators who understand the protocol's mission.