The problem is the base layer will always be the weak spot for any upper layers of privacy exactly like it is now for lightning closing/opening. And it breaks fungibility of Bitcoin as a whole. I agree that neither Monero or Bitcoin will necessarily be around in the long run. Could be something else.

Yea, but look at where gold got us. Who uses actual gold? They IOU'd the shit out of it and relegated it to an impotent pet rock which seems to be the path Bitcoin is on.

Maybe you are right we will see. Let's see if Bitcoin layers can have strong privacy without sacrificing sovereignty of on chain. That would make both camps happy I think.