I wish I could be optimist but I'm not. I see the coming fork (if it comes) as a huge image problem. Investors will not move till this issue is settled. BTC's quite low, and nobody shall expect it move up before that Damocles sword is being put away for good. BTC's price will remain low, and number transactions will not change much. BTC deserves better!
I wish I could do something to bring a compromise.
This is true.
I work in high finance and whereas previously people approached me in confidence to ask how they can purchase bitcoins, now people approach me in confidence to ask me if this is the end of bitcoin.
Indeed Bitcoin deserves better.
This echo's Hearn's experience that investors want a 'benevolent dictator' management structure so that shit can get done. Another reason to fork the thing already and give this segment what they want. Then we can all just move forward.