Thank you, @davidallenjones for the thoughtful comments.
1- I have talked about centralization and why we need it in a previous post. Please check it out.
The idea of decentralization is to replace the current centralized systems with decentralized systems that perform the same function and service without the problems that come from centralization.
2- This is the vision. I agree with you that it has not materialized, yet! But It is possible, and serious steps towards achieving that goal has been taken. We are not there yet, but we are on the way. We are still experimenting with cryptos, and until now, the results are so hopeful. Cryptocurrencies have the potentail to solve some big problems in our world.
3- There are many projects claiming to be decentralized while they are really not. That is why I am trying to evaluate some interesting crypto projects to determine how decentralized they really are. I shall start with Steem soon. It is very probable that I would find that it is not that decentralized.
4- As for money especially: we have witnessed outrageous crises in so many areas in the world because of centralized money. So, the problems that you are worried about are there now with fiat money. We have seen that BTC was able to solve some of them. For example, with BTC, you are able to send money to anyone in the world. There is no geographical limitation. You do not need any permission from any entity. Of course, BTC has its problems, but we are working on solving them.