Although I accept what you're saying re anecdotal evidence of adverse publicity, I really think the effect of it is over estimated.

The trading charts show exactly the same profile as any other coin over the 2 years. The adoption profile for nodes shows no signal whatsoever that belies any adverse impact - just consistent, unimpeded growth. The various "trolling campaigns" have had at least as much favourable impact as negative because A. they look stupid B. they keep it being one of the most discussed projects and C. the give us a chance to do deep-concept promotion that we wouldn't otherwise have. (Well at least I quite enjoy using troll posts as a launching pad for some rambling commentary or other    ).

Nor does it appear to affect the people that matter. For example the two monetary researchers that wanted to use Dash as a basis for their Flow Money proposal flat out said it was the most advanced (monetarily) of all on offer. Max Keiser cited it as one of the 3 candidates for "the one" to 20 million viewers.

I would relax