I still use them whenever i can though, because i buy more of them when the rate drops.
BTW, i thought i heard in this video something about how at MtG there is some kind of a mechanism now to protect merchants against exchange fluctuation losses as well...
Bitcoins are "cash" to me. So, i am not converting them to other forms of "cash" (currency) unless i have to for some reason, because i think there is much more upside potential in them, compared to any other currency, including metal...
People do spend more at my store when bitcoins are worth more. The most activity was when bitcoin was $10 or more.