Thanks for fighting the good fight and setting the record straight, but this discussion has been up since time immemorial, that at this point all that one really needs to disprove this "bitcoin = ponzi" logic is to get their lazy asses of the couch and do a quick google search. Some people have been very enthusiastic about this debate back in 2018 when this is still a pressing topic but as what some people in this thread have mentioned, there are other more important topics at hand that should be given focus.
The problem for now is that even if we try hard to convince everyone that it's not ponzi I don't think it will be taken too seriously because there are several factors like there are still many people who are skeptical and there are still many naive people who fall for scams in bitcoin.
Even though it's not Bitcoin's fault, it still has a stigma like that. I think the most important thing in this case is to establish to yourself and those closest to you that it is wrong because you also cannot force other people's opinion that this is not ponzi either.
I agree with you. I think the problem with ponzi-schemes boils down with the responsibility of the person attempting it. Even if they are warned about its engagement, if they still want to try it, then they are free to do so. At the end of the day, the loss will be on their side in the event that the ponzi-scheme closes at any time of the day.
Personally, I have an experience with a ponzi-scheme where I thought the returns were to good to be true. I invested $80 worth of BTC in hopes of having a 120% return at the end of 3-6 months of investing on their website. After two (2) months of being operational, the company decided to quit, in which I lost all of my BTCs in the process.
If people are still willing to try these ridiculous rates, then they must also bear the consequences and embrace them at the same time.