The "Code is Law" Principle is Compromised by Human Privilege. In ecosystems that promise fairness through technology (like Lightning Network and Cashu), the existence of a privileged class of users (developers, their friends) who do not pay transaction fees while ordinary users do, erodes foundational trust. This is not "normal" in the ideal of decentralization; it is a sign of a system where human relationships and privileged access can overwrite the rules of the code. It creates a double standard: an open, permissionless network in theory, but with a de facto elite in practice. A developer publicly stating this privilege, even without being named, confirms observation. The uncomfortable truth is that technology alone does not eliminate favoritism; it merely hides it behind a veil of technical complexity. Fees are the intended mechanism to cover these costs and prevent spam. Arbitrarily exempting users from these fees shifts the operational cost onto other users, effectively subsidizing the privileged.