E.g. NFTs would make sense if they conveyed actual IP rights, but most often they are not. Bitcoin-style PoW currencies actually are the only mature answer to a certain set of requirements almost no one has. PoW alternatives address the energy problem, but are not yet used often.

Yes. The text was for a general public so some weird libertarian niche problem a blockchain might solve wasn't very high on my list. And PoS and other schemes have other problems, it's not like that are good, just less planet destroying

But that would also be a little bit dishonest. Like I see some good intentions (and tried pointing them out) but otherwise I really don't see too much I'd point out as good examples for anything.

The problem I have is that downplaying the (however rare) good intentions and actual technical innovation paints everyone who is interested in that space (obviously including myself) as completely stupid, or even evil (if you follow @smdiehl’s take)