Quote from: ransomer on July 05, 2015, 12:34:27 PM

Let's be honest.. anonymity is a none issue for most people. I am not buying on silk road nor do I have any ideological reasons to stay anonymous (over and above what I already am in the FIAT system).

So while anonymity might have helped bitcoin in the beginning spread to anonymity concerned individuals - as we get out into the general population it becomes more and more a none-issue (with exception of course).

I would counter argue that whilst most people have little to gain from anonymity, the world is full of people with plenty of LEGAL motives to seek anonymity. In some dangerous countries having any form of liquid wealth can make you a target for thieves, robbers kidnappers, extortionists, police and so on. Secondly, around the world there is family pressure to keep the wealth under the control of a parent, husband brother, or patriarch. A woman can not own a bank account in some cultures.

Many married persons would like to hide some of their money from their spouse. Maybe it's just for small treats and a little innocent shopping, maybe it's insurance against future divorce, maybe it's to maintain a secret amourous relationship, or maybe to pay for a love child from a previous relationship.

Some people with legitimate wealth are caught up by international sanctions merely because of the passport they carry, the country where they live, the job they hold, the people they know, or are related to, or their proximity Eg cousin or grandchild of a sanctioned Russian politician.

Of course there are less legal reasons to hide some wealth. Most countries have a wealth tax. Having a bit "on the side" will no longer be possible as the world's banking system moves towards a CRS. Some governments are totally corrupt and can seize the assets of their political opponents for no reason. Hiding assets whilst illegal is the only way to survive for some.