I've decided that Bitcoins are doomed, that is aside from the copy-cat issues.
Surely the US Govt will not want its citizens having funds in unregulated exchanges, for the very reasons currently exemplified by the Mt Gox problem. Lehmann Brothers et al, if nothing else, highlights such priorities to finance regulators.
So either Bitcoin exchanges become regulated - which in part defeats their purpose, or transactions involving bitcoins with US companies become illegal. As an aside, I note that closing Silk Road, and seizing bitcoins therein, did nothing except spawn Silk Road 2.0. Also the US Govt didn't bat an eyelid in shutting down the unregulated multi-billion dollar online poker industry, ostensibly due to gambling laws, but in part due to concerns about money laundering. Furthermore, the unregulated shadow banking sector in China is being pressured to close down.
The trend is for more regulation of finance not less. The likely closure of Mt Gox might play into an opportune moment for the US Govt to act on this issue.
Just thoughts. Best I go back to ignoring bitcoin and stick with gold, and the Au$. It would help though, if this succession of stupid Aussie governments end their futile and damaging death-wish on their own currency.
