> This is only true if we accept your unstated premise that BTC itself isn't a big ole Ponzi scheme.

Let's be clear, here: There's a substantial difference between Bitfinex engaging in outright financial fraud vs a bunch of people buying into the value of a virtual currency for reasons no one can understand.

BTC is not a ponzi. It's just a long-running speculative bubble. A collective delusion. You can disagree with that, sure, but it's certainly no more a fraud than Beanie Babies or tulip bulbs.