> those that inevitably get left behind when that timer expires

Yes, which is why framing and preparedness are important. OP is closer to the mark than self-custodial but about as one dimensional.

> Last time I checked there were still proprietary components too

There are. 50/50 They aren't robust enough to open source and not worth making robust enough without scale, or it'll be part of a moat.

Yes. I mostly worry about those that inevitably get left behind when that timer expires. Last time I checked there were still proprietary components too, which makes it riskier.

optimism

I agree that it's likely not a timeless evasion. I see it like custodial solutions - a temporary toehold while we wait for someone to build a staircase. No one should form a critical dependency on it but we can't deny it has some utility however brief.