"some degree of knowledge" is only knowing the basics like how to use a wallet and secure it, for example how to buy and use a hardware wallet! the "public" can easily learn that, it is not rocket science at this level. any deeper is not necessary to use it.
Right. But this works as long as we are only talking about bitcoin. It's code can be deemed trustworthy because of the level of community engagement. It has been proven to work.
Problem arises when you take up more applications of blockchain, like the article argues about smart contracts. Smart contracts have proven themselves to be buggy. The trustlessness feature of smart-contract is dependent on whether you trust the intention and competence of the people who write the code.
(My reply above).
What would be your view on the need to make smart-contracts more accessible??