As someone who has been a member of the Optimism Security Council since it’s launch, I have witnessed the Lead role is a lot more demanding and time intensive compared to Members.
It is my understanding the Lead has to be on call around the clock, 7 days a week throughout the year, and highly responsive to communications from all Members, Foundation, Labs, and other stakeholders across timezones. The amount of communication and coordination during signing ceremonies, including problem solving with individual Members is very time consuming.
For future budgets, regardless what the total budget allocation is, I recommend changing the compensation ratio of Lead : Member to at least 2.5:1 and above. This will ensure the Lead is set up for success and sufficiently resourced to play their pivotal role on the Council.
According to the above proposal it is 1.25 :1 which in my opinion is too low.