A XRP ETF is still now in the plans for for a launch. It will probably be launched in April but it might be before that.
It will be led by Blackrock according to crypto influencer Ben Armstrong. I think alot of it is going to depend on how the Bitcoin ETF goes that we are now just waiting for it to become approved.
https://coingape.com/xrp-etf-ripple-crypto-news/If it's going to be BlackRock again, then the crowd will follow. This might trigger the idea of other projects to offer their own altcoins and ask these institutions to apply for an ETF.
Like you, I also believe on the rest that you said there about XRP. Ripple had changed a lot. From the coin that people hates and being feared of, to the coin that gives inspiration to other projects to keep on fighting what ever battles they are facing. No wonder why many people have gone back and now considering it as one of those coins to be included on their bags.
Yeah, I was one of it that hated it but on times that we need to save fees, I am also the one who used it despite hating it.