It was hugely P2P between each individuals but I remember when I joined to crypto space in 2014 there already exists exchanges and I think they have existed even in the early stage of bitcoin emergence.
Like around 2011 to 2015? Before it became available on major exchanges?
I found out about bitcoin wayback 2017. But from what I heard to others, during this time there are many faucets that gives bitcoin for free. Earning 0.001btc is very easy that time so I think only few people bothers to buy it. And since it was not that popular that time, there is no reason for buying it. I think MT/Gox was the popular exchange during that time until the hacking incident happened in 2014. Many bitcoins were stolen from people and these reminded the crypto community to not store their cryptos on exchanges.
Yes earning bitcoin was really easier back then compared nowadays but none of us know that bitcoin could get this high so yeah many people missed the opportunity because lacking in faith lol.