"Because a protocol with a finite number of coins has an inherent value to it" No, it doesn't. Being scarce, by itself, is not valuable at all. Being useful is

"Because a protocol with a finite number of coins has an inherent value to it" No, it doesn't. Being scarce, by itself, is not valuable at all. Being useful is was gives something value. In fact, I'd argue a protocol that I have to have a coin for is much, much, much less useful, and therefore less valuable, than one that doesn't.