Yeah, Monero can be tricky because it prioritizes privacy a lot more than coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This makes it harder to use and understand for many people. The fact that you can't easily verify transactions like you can with other cryptocurrencies adds to the complexity. And you're right, its association with the DarkNet and increased privacy does raise concerns about scams and criminal activities. It's definitely not as user-friendly for those new to crypto. But its strong privacy features are also why some people prefer it. It's all about what you value more: transparency or privacy.
The steep learning curve and limited number of exchanges, makes Monero an unappealing investment to crypto newcomers. I guess that's why Monero has been struggling with low mainstream adoption. At least, it's a useful privacy coin for those who want to hide their sensitive financial info from governments and/or third-parties. If Monero stays decentralized, it could last a lifetime.
What crypto project needs the approval of mainstream governments and VCs to survive, anyways? Only those that are full of hype need them. Bitcoin was designed to be free from the middleman. And that's exactly what Monero is doing. By using it, you will gain true financial freedom and privacy. We need more privacy-oriented crypto projects for the good of the industry. Who knows what surprises we'll find in the future?
