I think I figured it out. bitcoin maxis have reached the point where they think it's a good idea to make bitcoin as retard proof as possible, even if it means stripping off almost all the benefits, so that they can get more people to buy bitcoin. the privacy thing is just an excuse to sell ruggable bitcoin to unsuspecting idiots. bitcoin maxis just want more people to buy bitcoin after they do and they don't care what it takes to make that happen.