every single node is equivalent to one person, but this is tedious work for human to keep solving the puzzle. I do not think this new consensus will work out, this is not effective and efficient.
At least theres no KYC. It would make sense to start KYC identification routine on the blockchain though. Want to run a node, send us ur face shot, place of birth and officially verified paper with a timestamped line where it discloses ur monthly wage and anthropometric characteristics. Captcha solving is tiresome but is nothing compared to what I suggest. I know the drill. Data harvested from wherever is possible is inseparable part of every process otherwise the population will turn into rebels with all that spirited bullshit ppl have staffed in their brains.