Sure. First regarding gold, it isn't used anymore to back any currency in the world (as far as I know), so I don't know about comparing gold to bitcoin. Now, bitcoin isn't money, currently it's just a layer above money. The only thing backing bitcoin at this point in time is actually fiat (the dreaded fiat). Currently you can't go to the supermarket and pay your groceries with bitcoin, hence, it's not actual money--- you have to turn bitcoin back to money to be able to use its value. But make no mistake, I really really do wanna see the day when bitcoin becomes actual money! Regarding purchasing power, you're assuming bitcoin will become a common and widespread currency, which also at this point in time is unknowable. Fiat is guaranteed to weaken over time just as bitcoin is guaranteed to be maybe the most volatile investment right now. However, "Hopefully by the time you do decide to spend it, you no longer have to convert it to fiat and you can spend it directly.", I'm also hoping for that.
Okay I think see where you're coming from. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you wouldn't consider Bitcoin money until its a store of value, medium of exchange, AND unit of account in a large enough market. In other words, its in the process of becoming money, but its not money yet.
On the future of Bitcoin overtaking fiat, I don't think its absolutely guaranteed. I do think that its more likely than not. Fiat is guaranteed to go down in purchasing power. Bitcoin is currently volatile in purchasing power, but I believe it has a floor due to its network effect and some small portion of the market finding its properties very useful. Eventually, fiat's purchasing power will drop below that floor. All Bitcoin needs to do is survive until then. Its not a given. The US Government could suddenly grow a conscious and brain and abolish the Fed. Bitcoin could fail due to a black swan event. But I think its more likely that Bitcoin makes it. I am literally putting my money on that happening.
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Yep, right on the money (no pun intended), man. Let's hope indeed bitcoin makes it, in the meantime, I guess we can contribute to adoption by paying (or at least trying to) for small amount goods or services locally with sats. One step at a time, bitcoin will have to work its way up if it's ever gonna become a truly useful and decentralized currency.
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How many people would still use fiat if they weren't coerced into it?
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This is so true! We are a historically conditioned people…