I do not see bitcoin as failing. If anyone can exchange bitcoin back to local currencies, then it works pretty well for value transfer. I can buy bitcoin now for $50, transfer it, and then someone exchanges bitcoin back to $50 minus the fees. Just like any other payment processor.

If one wants to save up or speculate, well, thats a different matter.

> Bitcoin is failing and if that’s the best option for free speech, it proves that the mainstream actually doesn’t support it.

Bitcoin is an anarcho-capitalist currency, and the mainstream aren't anarchists. The mainstream doesn't object to it because they object to free speech, they object to it because they like banks with their FDIC insurance and laws.

"Object" is even probably too strong a term! The mainstream is mostly indifferent to it, because normal banking is better for virtually every transaction they want to make.

Bitcoin is failing on its own (lack of) merits, not because people are mounting some campaign to destroy it.