Ethereum core developer Peter Szilagyi expresses disappointment with the speculative aspects dominating the crypto industry, advocating for a shift towards creating genuine value. He highlights the industry's evolution from Bitcoin's creation to Ethereum's smart contracts, noting both progress and the challenges such as scams from the 2017 ICO boom. Szilagyi criticizes the industry as a "casino," focusing on quick gains rather than substantial developments. Despite various advancements like DeFi and stablecoins, he believes the true potential of crypto is overshadowed by speculation. Prominent figures like Erik Voorhees counter Szilagyi's view by pointing to valuable projects with real use cases such as stablecoins and DeFi lending, though Szilagyi remains skeptical about their significance. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between speculation and utility within the crypto space. Szilagyi's critique challenges the community to consider how crypto can benefit the broader population rather than serving as a gambling platform for the few. The industry's future depends on balancing innovation with sustainable, user-focused projects.