Cardano has been met with constant criticism for being perceived as centralized, especially when compared to similar layer 1 projects like Ethereum and Solana. These Criticisms by the crypto community seem to be limiting its appeal to broader, savvy investors. However, with the recent Chang upgrade, Cardano will be seeking to address these concerns by introducing a decentralized governance framework, which could inherently alter the perception of Cardano within the crypto community.

With the removal of the contentious "Genesis Keys," Cardano's network will be pivoting towards a governance model that empowers token holders with decision-making capabilities in driving the overall growth of Cardano and its ecosystem. This move is not just a technical upgrade; it's also a philosophical realignment that will position Cardano as a truly decentralized platform, challenging its competitors like Ethereum and Solana in the Layer 1 smart contract domain.