That's a good way to put it. I try to explain to people about its volatility in the same way. Just as if we discovered a new metal and it had many uses or powers that we still didn't understand, it would trade with a ton of volatility.

Bitcoin is what it is.

A separate question is how are the majority of people using it or thinking about it.

These are independent of each other. Bitcoin can function as money, store of value, and unit of account. Saying it isn't money or digital currency doesn't change what is possible.

Let them think its not money... If the US gov thinks it is a threat to the dollar you will see a lot of "pro-bitcoin" politicians flip real quick.