p2pool does not support random block rewards, as such running one will pollute the blockchain with undervalued coins. I chose not to go in this direction after adapting p2pool for PND some days ago, through reading multiple posts on getting the correct settings. I felt that as a miner I'd rather be paid correctly for a block found than be 'short changed' and as a pool operator, didn't like the idea of ripping miners off unintentionally due to to this limitation in p2pool. The maintainer of p2pool seems reluctant to code in support for random block rewards deeming it 'hard'.
Please don't pollute the chain with undervalued coins
Fair point but there seemed to be some demand for it in several posts. I think simply having the option is a good idea. We don't need to actively advertise it.
I also can't stop them from making their own config either.
The demand comes from those who don't fully understand how P2Pool functions, else they'd have worked out the correct settings themselves instead of asking for a copy+pasta version. I'll admit, given my little knowledge of coding, it was quite a challenge for myself to find values that would best suit the network as a whole. It wasn't until I hit the SUBSIDY_FUNC value that the realisation became clear there is no support for random block reward coins and allowing a static value would pollute the chain with undervalued blocks, thus causing people to complain. I can only hope that someone with enough knowledge and free time would port in support for coins that offer this type of reward. Sadly, at this point there appears to be no progress on this ability and forrestv from what I gather, doesn't feel inclined to add support in the future.
I agree that we cannot stop people from making their own config, but we can delay them... at least those who'd rather copy+pasta than actually work out the values for themselves since there are multiple posts here on BT and on github repos detailing how to do so. I apologise if I come across as narky, I'm just just a little OCD with most things. I like cleanliness, conciseness and some level of order...it's one of my weaknesses or strengths however you deem to see it.
One final note I should mention, regarding the PREFIX and IDENTIFIER values. They do not need to be the same, as long as the values are of 19 numbers converted into hex, p2pool will function correctly. P2Pool would be good for after block 500,000 since the reward becomes a static 10k value. Until then, I'd steer clear from using P2Pool since you'd get better rewards from a standard pool currently. I guess I kind of knew this day would come, I just hoped it wouldn't...at least not this soon. In a perfect world tho.....
