I don't think the blockchain size will become an actual problem with regards to hard drive size. But I think it might become a problem with regards to download speed.
People with poor data rate won't be able to ever downlaod the chain completely because its growing too fast. This will lead to a decrease in number of full nodes. The HDD isn't the bottleneck with this.
fewer full nodes in remote areas won't be too much of a problem as long as the number keeps increasing in total.
you dont hear millions of people uploading livestreams complaining
you dont hear millions of online gamers complaining
you dont hear millions of people facetiming complaining.
you dont hear millions of people netflix viewing complaining.
yet fake doomsdays of 1gb by midnight is used to scare 5600 people.....!!!
rational 2mb soon 4mb later and growing when node users set a setting to show what they CAN COPE WITH, to grow at a capable acceptable and no issue rate.
..
"shout 1gb to make people fear 2-8mb" <- standard blockstream script
"shout alien invasion to make people fear an ant entering your house" <- standard blockstream mindset
..
also telecommunications company both landline and cellular have a five year plan. its called Fibre cable, and 5G cellular.
so by the time we get to 8mb (in years!) the speed of internet for average users will be much better than today.
after all we are not using dialup like 20 years ago.
ill emphasise it again
getting to 8mb in years.. not 1gb by midnight.
be rational, think logical, research realistically