Interesting insights... I feel like the blockchain is merely a tool by which individual people can be either good or bad actors (I actually hate the term bad actor but I can't think of anything to replace it right now).

Individuals can and probably do exploit certain "advantages." The rest of the individuals, like you say, need to determine if the cost is worth the price. For some people, gambling addiction is its own reward. :P

The blockchain is red of tooth and claw.