Yes, it's really different to predict the price of BTC, although there is TA that can help us.
If technical analysis can help us predict the price of bitcoin, then why do we constantly fail to predict the movements of bitcoin? Even the bitcoin bull run earlier this year was almost unpredictable, I daresay no one could have predicted it.
As far as the policies of government towards it, maybe it will have an impact but not in the long run. BTC can and will survived despite government's hard line stance not just BTC but the whole crypto market itself.
As for the government's impact, I think depending on their policy, if it's too harsh, it will have a negative impact on the market. Do not underestimate the government because we still live under their control.
I do like your conservative prediction of $40,000, at least that's also what my take regarding the price.
The good thing is that we are still like more than 6 months away, so many things can happen and hopefully we can overcome all the negativity and then go to $40,000 or even higher at the end of the year.
I don't fully believe in technical analysis, but based on what has happened historically, I also believe bitcoin could hit $40k or more before continuing to correct again.