You're right, of course.
As long as the men with the power to point their fingers at you and have your head taken off say that this monopoly money is actually worth something, it will be so, because, to put it bluntly, us "commoners" are either/ both too cowardly and/or ignorant to make a fuss over it.
That said, it sure would be nice to pull one over them as we commoners transfer over to something of real value, but, as much as I hate to admit it, people in their position aren't sufficiently prideful or arrogant enough to not hedge on the outside chance that the masses won't continue to cower to them. They're typically arrogant, yes, but they're also smart; at least, when it comes to protecting their wealth.
...if no one obeys, no one rules...
Cowardice can be swaddled in so many layers of comfort, the cowards don't even see it..
Freedom isn't free - It costs a lot.
I know.