it does seem the the growth utility of bitcoin is in those 'entrepreneurs' that want to expand their criminal empire, and thus want\need to transact in such at increasing volume.

so yes, the potential for 'B2B' criminal trade does lean towards a long runway for bitcoin. it is more practical than gold, which is russia's preferred method to settle accounts. and it should not surprising that some of mainstream finance wants a piece of the bitcoin action, whether they justify it as a momentum trade or whatever is the most palatable.

however, was soon as you start going down the chain to those that are doing actual criminal work, there is an immediate request for normal goods and services for their efforts. and what is being requested for this?
that's right, the 'worthless' dollar. the very same that u.s. investors request when wanting to monetize their own bitcoin.