All valid points... biggest catalyst is CME's announcement that they'll offer Bitcoin derivatives; big validation in the eyes of the investing world. Really can't speculate on how attractive those instruments will be(volatility will be massive) or if & how they'll affect the Bitcoin market (expiration manipulation, etc), but demand will definitely increase. Also will be interesting to see how a easier mechanism for effectively going short Bitcoin will play out.

Another massive point in BTC's favor is currency instability... the next large financial crisis to hit a major currency will, I think, have more savvy investors running to BTC vs gold as a hedge... gold can't be transported or stored without complications.