Has anyone else thought about this type of diversification or had any similar ideas for growth? I think they'd be worth communicating to the board, and perhaps in a town-hall setting (shares = opportunities to speak?)
FC used to talk about diversification and idea for growth besides mining. From what I can remember he wanted to start various services around the blockchain like an exchange for example, but it seems that he forgot about those plans or the mining business didn't allow him to concentrate on anything else.
Yes, this is very interesting.
However, for the moment, FC should be 100% concentrated on getting AM on track in current model (chips, miners, self-mining) - just a matter of priority.
When AM claims, in sustainable way, let's say equivalent of 25%-30% of network hashrate, then such ideas could be absolutely great for the more distant future.