Yes on-chain btc fees are crazy low now, which I assume is due to low use.  If true, that is not a good argument for scaling.

And no, I am NOT saying darknet market evasion is the reason for privacy.  I'm saying if users have to actually calculate the capital gains/loss on every little purchase, they will avoid using Bitcoin for cash to not have to do that.  The only way to make them feel that they do not have to, is if it's private against advanced adversaries.

All the deep state has to do is to make an example of ONE REGULAR person for SMALL amounts, and the entire bitcoin lightning as cash concept will be killed.  They can promote that person in the media all day.