Bitcoin is not just an investment currency but it equally serve the general purpose of currency and at the same time as an investment opportunities that yield return on investment over time period.
Op put into words what I have witnessed in practice from the "new Bitcoiners" I know of. Every single one of them hasn't actually used an actual Bitcoin wallet nor bought actual Bitcoins or transacted in them.
They have simply deposited funds through a third party, with "Bitcoin " reflected as balances on an online account... some can't even withdraw those Bitcoins, they can only sell it back for fiat.
So I am beginning to see now that these so called new users aren't adopters at all. Mainstream adoption is still a distance away, with the bulk of newcomers merely investing in something they believe to be bitcoin, but without actually owning any. None ever see themselves using it, all believe they will liquidate when the time and profit is right.
That's just my observation.