Monero needs something analogous to lightning. 1-2 min confirmation is an issue for widespread adoption.
Discussion
Doggie coin
There is an attempt to make an L2, but it has caused some debate.
It's not that I don't see any areas of application for off-chain transactions - But it's not a jack of all trades.
Monero users need to quit shitcoining and yeet themselves into Bitcoin.
Bitcoin obviously has a better chance at mainstream adoption, but Monero is still necessary for some applications.
Also, Bitcoin is evolving into a "captured" KYC ecosystem (Square, Strike, etc.) and therefore Monero is an important alternative. Some lightning and cashu L2s still offer some degree of privacy and I'm rooting hard for these projects.
Hard money is important, but private commerce and wealth is equally important. I see them as complimentary rather than competitive.
Can anyone on Earth use Bitcoin for free, without permission?
More or less, yes.
However, obtaining, hodling, and spending it privately requires specialized methods that are too inconvenient or complex for most people.
The same could be said for obtaining Monero.
My concern is more about the current trajectory. Bitcoin is becoming more and more captured by the financial and regulatory powers.
A more honest unit of account and MoE would be a great advancement, but the loss of financial privacy would be catastrophic for individual freedoms.
No one has captured Bitcoin.
True, but "they" appear to be trying and have made significant progress.
The definition of "capture" is also important.
If Bitcoin becomes a mainstream MoE and/or SoV and all useful exchanges and payment rails require KYC and permission, then I would consider it captured.
All CEXs, Square, Strike and other leaders in this space are fully KYC'd and require permission.
I doubt it will be a black/white outcome. There will probably be a mainstream KYC/permissioned economy and a niche non-KYC/permissionless one.
Bitcoin cannot be captured as long as two or more people can trade with it directly.