> If the global bitcoin network is not designed to cope with a miniscule fraction of the global payment volumes and doing so at massively higher energy costs, how could it ever scale to take over from centralised currencies? And if it cannot do that, then it’s only purpose is speculation and - based on its volatility - gambling.

yes it's a massive pyramid scheme waiting to collapse. all the working class folks who are miseducated and not able to see it for what it is in time will pay a very heavy cost when it does collapse.