i wasn't here in 2012, so i ask: there were so much pessimism about btc on 2012? i don't think so..
there was plenty, and nowhere near the infrastructure reassurances that exist today.
^ This.
2012 and the second half of 2011 were quite pessimistic. Bitcoin had gone from <$1 to $32 in a couple months, then bled from $32 to <$2 over the course of 5-6 months. With no infrastructure development, no VC money, no high-profile entrepreneurs, economists, major merchants, or government departments taking any positive interest at all. Price stood near $4 for most of the first half of 2012, IIRC, and many people had left Bitcoin for dead.
And without any real-economic activity, infrastructure, or mindshare, it was a MUCH more pessimistic situation than today.
To anyone who was around in those times, it's quite easy to chuckle at today's short-sighted naysayers. The success Bitcoin has had since 2011 is incredible. This has all happened *much* faster than I thought it would.
On the one hand, time flies when you immerse yourself in Bitcoin. On the other hand, the volatility ages you!