Bitcoin is respected among some HNers. There are still a lot of people who question its value, its long-term prospects, who call the current price spike a bubble, who call it a toy/gimmick/scam/etc., and so forth.
Unproductive comments have never been accepted on HN either way.
Yes, as a currency for money laundering and buying drugs online - highly respected.
It's also known for launching ETFs, buying subway sandwhiches, buying real estate, storing wealth, and feeding the homeless among other things.