The volatility of Bitcoin is neither a merit nor demerit because that is the very nature of every asset that is experiencing huge demand and supply. I don't even know why this is becoming a topic of discussion because it is an inherent property of Bitcoin. Every asset that is driven by the forces of demand and supply will always experience volatility. Take for instance gold and oil, they are both subjected to demand and supply hence they will experience volatility. This means that volatility is not limited to Bitcoin neither can it be used as advantage or disadvantage for Bitcoin.
Yeah, but Bitcoin is very different from those class assets, Bitcoin's volatility is not something that we have seen from those. And that's why it remain to be a hot topic as this is also one point that those against Bitcoin are pointing out.
But maybe in the near future is won't be as volatile as we have seen today. Perhaps when we reaches that almost all Bitcoin has been mined, it could be that the price could go a stable flatline as the 1% won't be mind for the next 100 years or so.