... they had nothing to fear from the government as long as they followed U.S. financial rules.
^could be problematic for most, if not all, companies currently involved in bitcoin. First, it is super expensive. Second, who knows what those recent 20+ subpoenas will reveal. Would anyone be surprised if the regulatory bodies determine that no current bitcoin-related companies have adequate KYC and anti money laundering procedures in place?
KYC is not really that hard or expensive. There are service desks that will do it for you for a few bucks a customer. Perhaps it is the non-monetary costs that have been more daunting?
It's actually the fees and bonds to get registered in the individual states thats a problem. Estimates are as high as $7 million and at least a year to be within compliance in all 50 states. Maybe you could get it in a year and that's if you spend tons more on a team of great lawyers.
Yes, just wanted to write that.
http://thegenesisblock.com/town-hall-discussion-with-gavin-andresen-and-patrick-murck/indeed could make some sense. money flows to gold/silver/bitcoin.
You can't just decide to invest in BTC in a minute. It takes many days. Not $ flowing in. Just $ from mtgox to BTC.
And I really don't read it as so good. You need to obey all USA rules - they said this before - nothing new. Again, pay 7M$, wait 1 year and do your business - not so good. And still we just have exchanges, mining, SilkRoad and gambling - nothing new.
Lift-off commencing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D67kmFzSh_o