Despite agreeing with the validity of your economic explanation, with IOTA I am now using node numbers as the barometer to measure the success of this project.
Number of nodes are a function of many variables. One (important) variable is the token value.
2) The GOAL of the project is a genuine paradigm shift in the zeitgeist of technology. We are bringing about a new realm of economics through 'real time on demand' services which for the first time ever is enabled by zero fees, a machine-to-machine economy to open up interoperability of IoT and data integrity. These are all revolutionary concepts that a minority of IOTA holders seem to grasp in its entirety. Therefore this is our focus, money is easy, we are offered millions weekly to go into the private sector exclusively, not interesting. Changing a whole ecosystem is a worthy challenge, with a way better long term 'ROI'
I could not agree more. The main point is the technological innovation of the project. And this on its own will motivate a lot of people. Bringing in some money through secondary markets will give a little boost to motivation, food to motivated but unfunded people, and bring in new people. Money help reaching this amitious goal, it is thus an indirectly important for the project.