Great article, good questions. It answered some of mine too. I've been struggling with the idea that all crypto currencies right now function as pump and dump pyramid schemes. It's all speculation. Their actual value has yet to be realized and its questionable if that value will translate to a return for anyone holding their currency.
I'm especially interested in private blockchains. I worry that it is the intention of these cryptocurrencies to crowd fund their startup and then sell off the tech to private companies with no compensation for their crowdfunders.