I think that's a fair questioning. Transistor scaling seems to have run its course, sitting right at the atomic scale (but not beyond -- hence it would be proba

I think that's a fair questioning. Transistor scaling seems to have run its course, sitting right at the atomic scale (but not beyond -- hence it would be probably undisturbed by subatomic discoveries). At least there are plenty of biological examples that we haven't gotten close to replicating technologically -- while we have substitutes for almost every biological functionality, there are areas in the parameter space where the bio versions comfortably lead. The brain of course is an example, leading in efficiency and capabilities; but there are many others like compact self-replication, self-repair of structures, micro and nanomachinery (exhibited in cells), and so much more. None of that of course requires advancing physics. Even for long term technologies, I don't think a deeper understanding of physics would have much to contribute, unless we found something wild like a compound made from new particles. That isn't to say it's not worth pursuing; it just takes a different relation to society, similar to math and philosophy.