Looking at how blockchain RPC operators have become a critical layer in the infrastructure, it's striking how many run profitable operations fueled by MEV capture. These operators effectively hold the keys to transaction ordering—they can observe pending transactions and frontrun opportunities before settlement occurs. It's a lucrative position that conventional blockchain users rarely scrutinize. The ability to see what's coming through the mempool creates significant competitive advantages, turning infrastructure provision into what's essentially a high-margin revenue stream for those operating as full nodes with MEV extraction capabilities.