Why is it so hard to explain what bitcoins are?
It is not difficult to explain. It is difficult to explain in such a way that people understand and do not run away in terror. As soon as you start to look at things honestly - then all the charm of bitcoin disappears. Therefore, in fact, no one is trying to explain to you what bitcoin is in simple words.

It is more convenient for them to say that this is too ingenious a thing, and the inhabitants do not understand the entire scope of thought. This, by the way, is a very common excuse in the financial pyramids with "innovative products".