In all the universes in which bitcoin succeeds, it first succeeds as a protocol for which traditional currencies circumvent their own limitations, as this value is immediate, palpable, and unaffected by bitcoin's scarce use. Only then, once this niche is established, will bitcoin succeed as a widespread end-user currency on its own right.

This paradigm is present in so many innovations. It's simply tapping more readily accessible value as a way to construct a launching pad for further growth.