Apparently the general public still hates bitcoin.
I don't think that is the case. A large majority of the general public has never heard about the Bitcoin. Even among those who have heard about the coins, the opinion is mixed. Some people hate it, as Bitcoins are frequently used for ransomware payments and darkmarket purchases. But some others like it, for advantages such as protection against inflation, and anonymity.
Who is general public ? Obviously we are. But we are all love it.
This 14 billion cap is not built by dev alone so that we can say public is not contributing in this. Even 90% of people are not aware of bitcoin yet, bitcoin's growth is already in rapid pace. So, when it goes down to 50% we may not just imagine the market cap.
I think that is not right. General people who are brain washed by banking institutions dislike bitcoin. But this is changing when more and more people realize the power, freedom and advantage bitcoin offers.