4. Centralized API Gateways vs. RouterLink

Aspect	Centralized Gateways	RouterLink
Routing Control	Single operator	Independent nodes
Usage Verification	Opaque metrics	PoTU signed receipts
Performance Data	Provider-reported	Cross-node PoLP validation
Settlement	Discretionary, off-chain	Protocol-defined, auditable
Participation	Closed	Role-based, open
Trust Model	Trust the operator	Trust the protocol

It’s not a better version of the same system — it’s a fundamentally different system.