Optimism’s airdrop model fuels **ecosystem growth** by strategically incentivizing **long-term participation**:  

1. **Retroactive Rewards**: Allocations to **early builders** (e.g., dApp deployers) and **testnet users** encourage continued development.  
2. **Governance-Driven**: Distributed via **Optimism Collective**, ensuring token holders steer ecosystem funding (e.g., grants, partnerships).  
3. **Nested Incentives**: Projects like Uniswap receive tokens to **sub-distribute** to their users, creating viral adoption.  
4. **OP Stack Adoption**: Rewards for chains using its tech (e.g., Base) expand the Superchain network.  

**Result**: A **self-reinforcing cycle** where developers, users, and partners grow together.