Yeah I am aware of these issues definitely. I don’t know too much about mining/mining pools in general but I can see the issue.

I’m fully aware too that I can barely use it freely. Each transaction being a taxable event makes it stressful. The way I see Bitcoin is exactly what it is - a store of value, hedge against inflation, “digital gold.” I do think all of these things are true. When I say that and view it that way, I am 100% looking through a fiat/USD lens specifically for the reason that that’s the system I live in and of course I am going to make smart decisions with my money. 

That is also the exact reason why I don’t hail Bitcoin as this new perfect thing that will solve everything, because it’s so clearly been hijacked. I cannot stress enough that I am fully aware of this. I’m a simple guy living in the fiat system that buys Bitcoin specifically to protect my purchasing power because it is so obviously the greatest asset to own, in my opinion.