Let's not be so hasty to draw conclusions. Bitcoin was literally the first programmable money. It's only been one decade since launch, and upper layer protocols like Lightning are even more immature. I'm not convinced that no one will be using Bitcoin aside from speculators in the future. I do think alternative models will thrive and emerge that give users alternative choices regarding security model and fees: bearer instruments (physical cash-like transactions with no on-chain transaction), Lightning, sidechains, altcoins, off-chain custodial setups, etc. But on-chain Bitcoin transactions will of course make sense for some as well. It's all about users deciding what level of security they need and what fees they are willing to pay.

More likely than not, we're going to end up with a bunch of different cryptocurrencies, with different value propositions. Bitcoin will probably dominate them in terms of value stored and that makes perfect sense considering how hard it is as an asset. Most altcoins put a larger emphasis on a less constrained supply and higher velocity of money. And there should of course be a place for that in the market.


Miners collect transaction fees too.