Is Layer 2 better than Layer 3?

Could you elaborate on the merits and drawbacks of Layer 2 solutions versus Layer 3 in the realm of cryptocurrency? Given the ever-evolving nature of blockchain technology, is there a clear winner in terms of scalability, transaction speed, and cost-efficiency? Are there specific use cases where one layer outperforms the other? Also, how do these layers interoperate, and do they complement each other or compete for dominance? Your insights would be invaluable in understanding the current landscape and future trends in cryptocurrency scalability.