Yep it looks like one possibility is digital currency could parallel the history of physical currency. Bitcoin and a few others are metals that require investment and are statistically limited in supply. Other currency provide reasonable inflation and liquidity. They will be measured against bitcoin. Ultimately we need to get away from the idea that money (physical or digital) is a necessary invention for society. Tokenizing everything of value to the point there is indistinguishable lines between individual and societal wealth could mean almost perfect barter where people do what they do best without penalty.
RE: Is mining on the way out?