Why has XMR established such a dominant position in the privacy-focused crypto space while ZEC remains in its shadow? The market's preference isn't accidental. XMR's privacy features are enabled by default—every transaction is shielded. ZEC, meanwhile, offers privacy as an optional layer, meaning most transactions still lack that protection. That fundamental difference in design philosophy has shaped how users and traders perceive these assets. One prioritizes privacy as a core principle; the other treats it as an add-on. The market has essentially voted with capital allocation, giving one significantly more network value and adoption. Which approach will ultimately win in a landscape where privacy increasingly matters—default confidentiality or optional concealment?