I read the Bitcoin mentions as examples, but not conflations of the overall issues with blockchains.

Except that is only applicable for (proof of work POW) consensus and does not apply to proof of stake (POS) and delegated proof of stack (DPOS) which several of the top blockchain projects are currently using (even Ethereum is moving to POS)

The fact that while what you just said, in attempting to "clarify" the issue, might make sense to a technical practitioner -- but is sheer gobbledygook to a lay person -- lies at the heart of the disconnect between the Cult of the Blockchain, and the real human beings (and their needs) it purports to serve.

It's unfortunate this is coming from Wired.

It's written by one of the most respected analysts in the industry.