Have they managed to make anonymous transactions actually work?
Yes, I believe they did. I think the rapid price increase after release was a reflection of people's desire for such a coin too. Not just your average altcoin pump.
the rapid increase of price after release was the power of super hype that began months ago + low initial inflation.... with the current inflaction is impossible to mantain the current price.... the price is going to fall alot more
The 'hype' had an actual basis, unlike most altcoins. I said nothing about the current price, or maintaining it.
People really want an anonymous, fungible cryptocurrency like this.