I thought economists predicted things, not play-by-play commentary. So, 'professor', anything regarding the future? Don't worry, we won't be too rough on you, after all - economist is one of the few jobs where you can be wrong and still be employed.
I have consistently stated we should see a price of $7-$9 not long after Mt. Gox opens.
Lack of trust in the currency. As of late, it increasingly appears that you have no recourse in the face of criminal activity.
Nope, you sure don't. One mistake and your're fucked. But your only hope is that for the long term the amount you lose to fraudulent activity is far far smaller than the money you actually make. Law of averages and statistics will tear you a new one from time to time.