>People buy crypto because they think it will rise in value, nor because it has any relevance as a currency (outside of certain illicit markets).
Source? As far as I can see, Bitcoiners are especially hammering the messages about Austrian economics, the right of freedom to transact, self-custody, separating money from the state and so on. Their scripture material, rarely talk about "price" at all. The maxis will even make fun of you with 1 bitcoin = 1 bitcoin meme. I don't want to make an equally ridiculous claim about "why people buy Crypto" - but clearly not everyone buys Crypto to sell in a week and make more USD.