I guess I'm extremely optimistic but as I said, I don't really mind if I won't be able to run a node at some point. Why should I care anyway? The cat is out of the bag and if bitcoin eventually become too centralized and allow censorship then I'll just move to the next uncensored blockchain just like I will do if the bitcoin blockchain doesn't scale enough.
Taking responsibility for your own future implies that you do care about the long term impact of your choices and actions. I know, we all grew up in this consumerist mindset and are not used to things like Bitcoin, so we are still projecting the old thinking onto this new technology. But I'm glad that many now realize that this "Game" is "Just A Lil Bit" different and being conscious and responsible is "How We Do".
Moving to the next (good) blockchain might prove to be difficult as PoW systems are extremely hard to duplicate in order for them to remain secure and independent from each other. We only have a few decent ones to play with and losing the most prominent example and the pioneer of that technology may have devastating effects on the whole crypto-verse in general. I would rather have another similar system make a risky move and experiment, while Bitcoin enjoys its heavyweight champion position and the sense of stability and trust that comes along with it. The leader only responds when being challenged in its area of expertise.
There is nothing hard to change for the next blockchain specially if there is an economic incentive to do so PLUS real capacity limitations. There is nothing magical behind the bitcoin blockchain and if it can't deliver than be it. Trust is hard to gain but easy to loose. You won't be able to stop me and most of the market participant to move to something else and there will be no coming back. Just wait and watch.
1) "nothing hard". Oh, "You Don't Know!" how hard it is to build the excessive hash-power that controls the coins emission schedule and secures the network at the same time. It takes a lot of time and there has to be a very good reason to even begin thinking about trying to duplicate that.
2) "nothing magical". There sure has been a whole lot of "magical smoke" floating around this forum in recent months as the beam of "cluons" is getting stronger than ever.
3) Trust is indeed "hard to gain", that's why Bitcoin is not in position to make some stupid moves without careful considerations of their potential impact on the future of the whole crypto-currency idea.
4) Moving to "something else" is just fine, I'm also watching this space from many different perspectives and consider a healthy competitive environment as a positive thing in general.
5) Of course, I do! And you too "Just Watch!"