you and i have a very different definition of 'investment' then. if i go to las vegas, put everything i own on red (because surely, red must be the future!) an

you and i have a very different definition of 'investment' then. if i go to las vegas, put everything i own on red (because surely, red must be the future!) and win - have i made a great investment? your other 'tremendous' use will disappear anyway in the traditional banking sector, as they did in Europe with SEPA (see comments below). and don't forget that some of those fees buy you (legal) stability, low volatility and a system that's pretty robust in general. of course it could be leaner and faster but evolution is sometimes healthier than revolution if a lot is at stake (i.e. everyone's wealth)