Been a long time coming. I have somehow managed to avoid the virus, but I know its a matter of time. Many members of my close circle have already gotten it and recovered.

I mean, for "Europe" here, read "three extremely heavily vaccinated countries in Europe". 93% of Portuguese adults are vaccinated, 85% of Spanish adults, UK doesn't appear to report in a useful way for adults only, but is unlikely to be too far behind.

I'd wager all my crypto on restrictions and vaccine mandates returning when the autumn seasonal virus strains occur in 9 months or so. This is a temporary calm and I don't see any way to make it permanent.

More like "throwing the towel" than "accepting"...

more like accepting the uncomfortable reality of Omicron being less lethal than seasonal flu.

Realization more than accepting. The open question is if another severe variant could arise. We'd have to be prepared to respond quickly for it if it should.