I would really like to know why people seem to gravitate towards using btc still in the dark web versus say privacy coins. Also super fascinating technology from ciphertrace that can track all of that
Because bitcoin is bitcoin - the most accepted and recognized cryptocurrency. Also it's the most stable one.
Privacy coins are great I agree with you but they are still altcoins. You need a wallet that supports them and you need your partner to also have it and know how to handle this privacy coin. Almost everyone accepts bitcoin first and then try new altcoins.