For sure. This is why any financial analysis company has to be very careful with their language, because the financial watchdogs are very keen on any kind of analysis or news reporting that may intend to influence the price. The financial journalists are very good at what they do.

This is pretty much where we are. I wish it weren't so. But Wall Street has their claws firmly around BTC et al. They will never let go. There's no room for any kind of "innovation". They will suck retail dry and then move on.

The technical term is "monetary premium".

Gold has a utility (or industrial) value. But that value is significantly lower than the actual price. The rest of the price of gold is monetary premium.

I say Bitcoin's large network, censorship resistance and worldwide adoption give it some base utility value. The rest is monetary premium.

I do agree with your sentiment. Stablecoins (UDSC, etc) are predictable and are much better suited for actual spending.

I am more of a "burn it all to the ground" type of person, but even I know that is true folly to even think that now.

It's a digital cancer that is metastasizing under this perfect storm (a US presidential administration keen on supporting it, easy manipulation of prices through painting the tape, a defanged SEC, etc) and there really isn't anything we can do about it but watch.

The only way anyone will learn is if massive tragedy struck or another major black swan... maybe... or maybe not.