Aren't those use cases mentioned for blockchain not crypto which seem the original article seem to be about
The so called rich people are trying to get more rich by investing in dog coin, cat coin and other crazy stuff instead of using the brains for greater good of humanity like CRISPR etc
Beyond issues of PoW and energy consumption, the bigger crime is the brain cycles wasted getting rich trying to find the next shitty coin and chest thumping that they are rich.
I know it can be hard for even the most equanimous individual but See crypto rich as a lottery which was earned without much hardwork. only thump your chest when it is put to use for greater good