I struggle with this topic every time someone asks me about crypto or I bring up the subject with friends.
In the end I often use many of the analogies in your post.
“It’s worth what people will pay for it”, is a common reply I use during the discussion, and essentially it boils down to just that.
People buy gold because over decades it has held its value, is safe, and at times its value goes up significantly. People buy a Lamborghini because they’re cool, not many of them, and those that have the funds really want one. People buy STEEM because they see potential and value in the technology, SMTs, and current products being offered (Steemit, Dtube, etc.). Supply, demand, speculation, all these things factor into value of an item. It’s up to the individual to make a decision on where to spend their cash and for what reasons.
Thanks for sharing.