Mining is really the only way. I wanted to buy 50k worth, you cannot. The exchanges act like they are brokers also and none seem worthy of any trust whatsoever. Most do not accept wire transfers (WTF???) and many suggest you go buy a money order?? What kind of legitimate business does that?
Basically, I would rather send $50k to that Nigerian General's wife that keeps emailing me.
They are catering to the truly wealthy and licensed financial institutions.
By truly wealthy you have to have over $200k salary for at least two years.
This is not their policy, they are trying to follow US trading rules for their setup.