It really is that simple. For all its problems, the fact that I can move my money anywhere, without middle men, is the main promise of crypto fulfilled, everything else on top of that is gravy.

Recessions/depressions seem like more of a potential indictment of capitalism than currency. Crypto would certainly not eliminate those in any scenario.

Many fiat currencies pass the "exchange for goods and services" test you propose. Many crypto coins would fail them, depending on how broadly we want acceptance to be.

> How many recessions / depressions need to happen before you claim that fiat money doesn't work?

This category of claim baffles me. Is the hypothesis there weren't wars or recessions when the world was on the gold standard?