Well, I don't think the people will be missing anything if there weren't Bitcoin in existence. You don't miss what you don't have an idea exists. For crying out loud, pre-two decades ago no one knew there was going to be Bitcoin and we all carried out our normal lives without chaos. It's the same way those who don't have telephone services in their countries live their normal lives without phones. To even bring it down home, my mum doesn't know jack about Bitcoin and she's surviving without it. It's that simple. The only good side to all this is that those of use who know the workings of Bitcoin or have a vague idea of it and the entire crypto thing think life is easier with this phenomenal technology called Bitcoin and the blockchain. At least we are consoled by that fact.
I guess you're right. Life would've carried on as usual without Bitcoin in play. The idea of a digital currency outside the control of central banks and governments alike would've been nothing more than a dream. I believe that if Bitcoin weren't invented in the first place, central banks wouldn't have any reason to launch a digital currency of their own. People would simply rely on credit/debit cards and paper money for mainstream transactions. Years would pass by without the need for a digital currency.
With Bitcoin in play, we can experience a cashless society in the future. Everything seems to be heading this way, as crypto/Blockchain tech becomes more popular in the mainstream world. Who knows if the aftermath of CBDCs results in a worldwide ban of decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum? At least, the technology is there, open for anyone to use to their hearts' content. Even with a ban, it'll still be possible to use Bitcoin for mainstream payments. Kudos to Satoshi for making this happen, or we wouldn't had the opportunity to escape from the current monetary system. The world will change in many ways as Bitcoin transforms finance as we know it. Just my opinion