> The trillion-dollar question is, to what extent does the world need, to function in the 21st century, a money-like asset with Bitcoin's unique characteristics?

Excellent question, although I'm not sure "need" is the right word. How much does the world "need" gold? People desire it and choose to use it for various reasons.

I expect cryptocurrencies will become much more desired if faith in the USD / EUR is shaken. If that happens, I don't think people will be sprinting toward saving / spending / investing with a fiat currency.