Bitcoin was also a designed system... so... innovative in that regard.
Near the end you say about SDs vs SP investment. SDs, if you view them as a financial investment, may be considered better for less risk-averse people because
- they'll get 10% interest AND their value will tend near the dollar
- they are liquid, unlike SP
- they don't have the SP speculation on future value due to dilution
Nobody gives 10% interest on the dollar these days...