Being a realist at this point in the crypto evolution is probably the right path.
the value or essence of what crypto is might be forgotten
I suppose the "value" of crypto will be redefined in time, with trends. Nothing stays the same, not even bitcoin, with all the L2 developments. Some may continue to hold on to the same values for a long time, but if the space move into the opposite direction, there's either going to be a fraction or a convergence, with some islands that will keep their own course no matter what.
Right, especially in a digital age, value is very much dynamic and even fundamentals can change from time to time, through disruptions or something similar. I'm leaning more into a fraction of values, many islands each having its own set of values and building something useful and/or amazing through that.
That seems more plausible, it's true. And better suited for decentralization.