Speaking of trolls, here's Rickards in attack mode:
www.darientimes.com/39695/rickards-fighting-the-islamic-state-with-special-operations/Note that he never says there *is* terrorist financing via bitcoin, he just makes it sound like a really scary idea. Also fails to mention that ISIS has said they're using gold, and further, that it seems like a really bad idea to commit big crimes using a public ledger. If it wasn't obvious already, SR trial makes that clear.
And of course, he has a number of factual errors, but tries to come across as reasoned by giving btc props here and there. I'd be a lot more willing to accept his legit criticisms (eg, btc hasn't gone through a full econ cycle yet), if he'd quit it with the painfully obvious fear-mongering.
No problems with the USG holding strategy meetings regarding crypto, as well they should, but as you say, there is no need to paint the mechanism in a bad light. It is, after all, only math and an internet connection. But at least he has dropped off with some of his sillier criticisms (EMP, Internet down etc) and on the face of it is giving some props to bitcoin.
Another thing, unless it is OTC, then until bitcoin is used and accepted without being converted into fiat the evidence (albeit circumstantial) of 'financing' will be seen in the banking system ie, transferred from exchange to bank account.
And regarding how bitcoin performs in a full economic cycle and in relation to other assets, well, that ties in nicely with this thread. Perhaps he should give it a read.