Settlement is a friction in the financial system that slows down the economic engine. Part of the problem we see in a recession is the slowing down of the velocity of money. Credit cards, for example, have a 2 or 3 day settlement from the day the transaction took place. Checks can take days to clear. Even transfers take time.

Crypto settlement times overcome this friction to a large degree. In those three days, we can collectively conduct more transactions using the same money. Velocity goes through the roof.

But, as you say, this leaves out the bankers who skim off every transaction, another source of friction.

I am a fan of Dash and Stellar precisely because they settle quickly and cost very little. If HIVE/HBD had wider acceptance, it would be my preference.