Cryptocurrencies are our only counter yet against the abuses of the financial system by the governments. In some countries this abuse is only potential, on others - already very real.

In a country where a dictator can make you starve with a snap of the fingers, cryptocurrencies are vital to survival. So even 10x more energy 'wasted' on such an indespensable service would still be a bargain I'd take.

Protecting the wealthy from the government isn't exactly a cause many want to fight for. Using the government to reign in the wealthy is much more popular

In a country where a dictator can make you starve with the snap of the finger, what are you going to do, eat your virtual coins from your jail cell? Technology is notably not a solution to social problems

Protecting the wealthy? You have no clue about real problems of people resisting the dictatorship. Right now cryptocurrencies are the only reliable and untraceable way for Russian dissidents and underground to fund themselves. The key features are anonymousness and permission lessness, and Bitcoin/Monero can be turned into hard cash quite easily. Oh and it also allows you to receive funds from abroad with zero oversight, avoid paying taxes, etc.

If there will ever be an uprising, it'll be funded with nothing else but cryptocurrency.

So yes, cryptocurrencies are worth every watt of energy they use.

Well the merge has hit test chains so it’s coming for eth main chain.

Yes, you’re correct, the judgement is about what the energy is used for.