So what?
You are coming off with some BIG blocker talking points and trying to suggest that bitcoin has value only if it can be used for retail right now?
I said nothing of the sort
There is no artificial narrow window opportunity that you assert.
That is a matter of opinion. I fully understand that the LN devs need to take their time and absolutely get this right, but the longer it takes the more opportunity there is for an alt to seize the, currently unserved, retail use case.
With the passage of time bitcoin is going to grow and grow and grow, so who gives a ratt's ass about if you can buy coffee with it today at this particular moment?
Certainly not me, and I have stated as much on a number of occasions. As I said above, I support cores choices to prioritize security and decentralization at the expense of speed and thrift.
You can quote me in posterity if you like, but I would be a bit surprised if in 5 years buying coffee would be impractical with bitcoin or some affiliated means - but even if bitcoin remains impractical for buying coffee in 5 years, so fucking what? I believe that bitcoin still has decent odds of being at least 50% more valuable than today, and also likely the dominant crypto... if it is NOT then, I will likely also have moved over to that other bitcoin killer crypto that took its place.
TLDR: I doubt that investing in bitcoin is betting on the wrong horse, even if bitcoin is currently not practical at this time to use to buy coffee or other small retail.
I agree with all this and am in full agreement with holding the line on BTCs store of value use case. That said, the retail use case WILL be served, and soon, if not by LN then by a well engineered alt with a strong dev team. As time drags on I will be keeping my eye out for that.