Newer cryptocurrencies simply make different tradeoffs, especially with regards to decentralization and security. Breakthroughs that are devoid of tradeoffs wil

Newer cryptocurrencies simply make different tradeoffs, especially with regards to decentralization and security. Breakthroughs that are devoid of tradeoffs will probably make their way into Bitcoin in the form of soft or hard forks. So far, I haven't seen such innovations. Proof of stake is one of those "different tradeoffs" innovations. It's not obviously better than proof of work unless your only concern is to minimize electricity consumption. Perhaps you are right with your gas car analogy... Or perhaps Bitcoin will be more like the relational database from the 70s which, despite being derided by the NoSQL crowd, remains king to this day.