Just realized I didn't answer any of these questions, lol:
What I’d love to hear is answers to the following two questions:
  • have you ever bought an inscription/BRC20 token?
No, never but I might now to test things out if it doesn't cost too much.
  • are you optimistic or pessimistic about the effects these ideas will have on Bitcoin?
Slightly optimistic but I don't think my opinion is worth much. Need to do more own research.
However, keep in mind that "optimistic" does not mean for me that I think this @udiWertheimer stuff will survive. I am optimistic since this is another chance for bitcoin to proof its resilience. Imo, part of the game theory of bitcoin is that bitcoin must be antifragile else it will most likely fail.