SilkRoad was something that sparked bitcoin's discovery and surge into the 'mainstream'. Not only that but it was a revolutionary idea (the market, escrow system, general idea). You should be saying thanks.
we explode for all the wrong reasons. Bitcoin users are looked upon as child porn addicts and drug addicts to the people I've met. We're apparently also a bunch of scammer thanks to bfl and mtgox and much more. Yes there are a few good things like circle, dell, and Microsoft. Early internet users were also looked upon as porn addicts.
Things change.
We'll need at least 15 years for the general perception to change, thats a new generation of people that is born with cryptos and crypto-derived freedoms.