Very interesting topic, I knew the world of crypto about 8 years ago, I was immediately passionate about mining and what was behind it, it was very nice because it seemed to me a very innovative thing with huge potential in the future. Over time, however, I have accumulated many regrets for wrong choices and unfortunately also scams from two old exchanges no longer exist. Im always hoping for some satisfaction though, cryptos are unpredictable 
It is true that crypto is very difficult to predict what will happen, it seems that not only have you known the crypto world for a long time, maybe there are also many others, I myself am still relatively new to crypto, started active in 2018 so it's not like you who have known it for a long time.When it comes to potential, I don't think anyone can fool themselves, that crypto is very advanced and fun. but if you say about mining I myself am not active in things like you. so maybe you might be disappointed with what happened, especially fraud committed by exchanges anywhere because of an unexpected error. but hopefully you are not discouraged to continue pursuing the target because crypto is now excited.