I totally second your point about regulation. When I read @krnel:
"creating restrictions on it's use can hinder the potential for blockchain technology. It shouldn't be regulated or restricted,"
I immediately thought of the repeal of Glass-Steagall and all the arguments from financials for less regulation which we've heard since.
The banking system is already a significantly regulated industry that functions in an orderly fashion. With respect to the repeal of Glass-Steagall for small to mid tier banks, this will take off the handcuffs when all the banks were lumped into one bucket. The cost to small and midsize banks to meet the same requirements of the large banks held them back. Now they will be more free and watch the small and mid sized banks undergo a bunch of M&A with their newfound freedom.