Indeed, I could copy Bitcoin's code exactly and make my own crypto called "scorpion coin" that would have the exact same properties as Bitcoin, absent one: the network effect.
At least you've understood one part of what we are saying. Chance gets at the more important part of things, which is understanding money since ultimately it is a technology and a network. Even with gold, we either need technology to mine it (or more of it) or we need to use technology to expand on it as base layer, since it as a physical entity is problematic for the modern, digital or global world.
The other part of the frailty of the argument that you can "replicate" something is that you can say that about any product in the entire world. The reality is, which is funny that you won't admit, it doesn't matter if you can, because you don't have reputation, distribution channels, trust, etc. So your point loses again. Chance has stated it in a different way as well: there's no such thing as a johnny come lately "discovering" something
again after it has been discovered. By definition.
And that network is based on its popularity, and its popularity is based on the widespread (but unfounded) belief that Bitcoin will continue to appreciate indefinitely.
It'll probably be closer to a Weibull S distribution but yes, it will. The big moves come now, also by definition, and we've already explained why. You also confuse another important point regarding why it's popular, which distinguishes it from what you call a "fad". You will be penalized if you don't participate in the network. And we know this because we already live in fiat-land. If one must work to live, which is true (though possibly temporarily not the case for some), you will always seek out the better money, because if you don't, you pay the price for not recognizing it. It's funny to think that someone might make the decision that getting ripped off by the government is more "moral" than getting paid in something that retains value, or relatively increases in value, over time.
This has nothing to do with electricity, or access, or civilizational collapse, or governmental overreach and control and everything to do with right versus wrong. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
Like I said, man has to work, and that can be a good thing, of course. Why shouldn't we demand to be paid in something that doesn't allow us to be literally cheated, or if we can stop it, others stealing from us? That's not obsessing about anything. The call to live as a monk, or as a hippy commune participant, even if that were a calling, is not for everyone. Some people can and want to help people with their money, their clout, their leadership, etc. That's the way they show love for fellow humans and as a result, for God. That's part of the command to love the Lord your God (with all your heart, soul, mind) = by using your talents.
I can agree with you that people wrongly stress monetary or material accumulation and miss the big picture of things while simultaneously supporting proper money and legitimate payment systems which lessen human abuse. So that's what I'm doing.
If you don't think the control of the monetary system via the printer and the debt based system is the primary method for human debasement and abuse, and also to support unnecessary wars and murder of human beings, you aren't paying attention. If what you are saying is about "right and wrong" then there is absolutely every reason for you to promote BTC.
