Lucky,
I respect everything you pointed out.
True, David is not a business man. He is a creative genius.
I am a businessman however; and see things through a business lens.
I have also been buying domain names for 22 years now
I Love David and have stuck by BAY through thick and thin for over 4 years now.
Yes, our marketing plan is sorely lacking. Yes, we need support - for sure.
Yes, LA Token had problems in the beginning. It may have seen like they F'd us a couple times - but in their defense, this whole Peg thing was new and they didn't want us playing around with their code - which would have made everything easier for all of us. That said - I'm eternally grateful to LA Token for even giving us the time of day when everyone else told us to pound sand. YES - when we "control" our own exchange, we will control our own destiny and prosper. I am looking forward to that day. A special shout-out to all the Dev's working so hard on that.
Next: If a domain name didn't matter, they would all be priced the same.
Again... If a domain name didn't matter, they would all be priced the same. They aren't. That's a fact.
There are many, many reasons why having the correct ending on your url matters.
If nothing else, Search Engine's list them on many levels according to their ending. I am a SEO Expert.
That's why bitbay.market is "worth" $163.00 and bitbay.com is worth over $13k.
That's a cold, hard fact. Not speculation or wishful thinking.
You compare it to the wrapping of a gift. I disagree.
I think of it like this... domain names are like Real Estate - which they are.
A complete name is like an address - You can still live in a building on 5th Ave; have the exact same address, but if you live in the basement, you will pay A LOT less than someone who lives in the Penthouse. The penthouse is a better view, has more prestige, etc.
BitBay with an ending like .market is living in the basement; and to add insult to injury - is sharing space with others.
But, nonetheless they are at least in the building.
BitBay.com is living in the Penthouse with a great view and has a party every day. It's undeniable - look at the perceived value.
You and David may think it's not important; just like the person living in the basement is just happy to be there... I prefer living in the Penthouse.
I am in total agreement with you that the exchange will save the day - and in the end, we may have a VERY bright future, time will tell.
Peace.