Hmm, I am a bit skeptical on the 21 Inc thing. That article just screamed of vaporware. A whole lot of ideas of what can be done with Bitcoin just like a bunch of people posting ideas on here.
Great ideas and all...but it sounds like marketing pitches to VCs that could easily just be cashed out and the company closed while the owners take the money and retire.
It would be like me going to a VC saying "Bitcoin can be used for voting, microtransactions, be your own bank, crowdfunding...now give me money and be part of this exciting company of the future! What have I done to make any of this happen? ... The blockchain!".
Unfortunately, i think you are right...