So for the newcomers in the space don't feel that you late, note this, what really makes the difference in the long run isn't when you joined, but how well you are able to utilize this opportunity and make something useful from it, and this starts with being prepared i.e understanding what you are investing in(making research), knowing when to manage risks, being able to keep you emotion in check whenever the market gets shaky, and lastly having a clear and definitive goal.
Still though you can't disregard the benefits of being early. Most of us here can't relate but the OGs that got in early can testify to the benefits that they're receiving.
Usually it's the early birds and those that have patience that benefits the most from the market. If you have the opportunity of being early and ready go for it because you stand alot to gain than to lose.
Don't use because of the fear of being scam or serving as a lesson to others be the reason why you don't try to get into opportunity quicker than you should. They're people that could have gotten in early into Bitcoin but they had their doubts and this has caused them to miss out