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I think the rebellion is more about the current economically driven social system than pessimism. Though there is some part of that in there.

I think that's a pretty contrived "after-the-fact" explanation for why it's called "~punk", that reduces the whole of punk culture to just mean "rebellion". But the truth is, just like every scandal is now called "~gate", new genres are just called "~punk" because it sounds good. Not because they have anything to do with punk culture. Where is the "rebellion" in "steampunk" or "dieselpunk"?

Totally, but perhaps by chance if not intent, the interpretation of "hope as rebellion" fits and is evocative, so let's use it.

Absolutely. Any future requires speculation and imagination before practical application. Both go hand in hand.