The best trades are those that benefit both parties equally and in which no one loses, correct? Everyone adores and desires them. However, as you correctly pointed out, bitcoin belongs in category 4. The game is a zero-sum one. Someone has to lose in order for someone to gain. But this is when things start to get interesting. Bitcoin's strongest suit is its limited quantity. Its uniqueness and importance come from this.
When the quantity of bitcoin runs out, will people start looking for substitutes? Most likely. But keep in mind that Bitcoin has become the benchmark for cryptocurrencies. It is comparable to the dollar in the digital age. People have faith in it and trust it. Additionally, value exists as long as there is confidence. As you correctly stated, the market finds its equilibrium. While people's preferences fluctuate and utilities differ, bitcoin is one thing that never changes. The future is here, and it's a good on
To dominate the monetary system? for how long would that be? It'll surely get to equilibrium, to balance the market. People will never get tired of using money. If a person is working on a business that requires E gold as the payment method. The person will hurry to know how he'll be able to trade e Gold. Despite e Gold being overshadowed by bitcoin as a payment method. The stay of bitcoin as a commodity with the most utility; money. The market will always move, maybe more difficult. Due to its finite nature. Many wouldn't want to lose for others to win. They'll fall back to the main purpose of bitcoin; as a payment method. Saving some bitcoin on their wallet. Regardless of the decision of people on bitcoin. They're lots of lost bitcoins. With no means of accessing them. Thereby putting a balance in between buyers and sellers. Now I understand why Satoshi tagged lost bitcoins as the helper of the market. Depending on what would make the buyer happy. A new coin or tech, if any, can overshadow the ideas of Satoshi, like his did to Adam back's Hashcash. The situation of bitcoin in such a market, may not be completely reduced. Rather, the news and methods of bitcoin marketing, will also fetch profitable outputs in future. Able to maintain the market. It all depends on the number of people that'll keep using bitcoin when that happens. For instance, de-valuating dollar to an extent people switches to something tangible. Maybe a different country's currency. Yet it wouldn't take away the usage of dollar. Because it's money. People must trade with money. And bitcoin has been serving the purpose of money non stop for over 11 years. It's indeed the future. There are many other generations that'll watch the performance of bitcoin in the financial market, which we may not predict today.