I dont think its a pipe dream and time will tell if its mass adopted. It is
however being developed and will contribute in some way to the next
Industrial revolution along with AI, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, IOT,
and robotics.
I personally believe it will be fully adopted in the creation of currency
by all countries, this will take time but it will replace cash as in physical
in the hand money and of course it wont be decentralised but it will
be blockchain technology.
Frankly speaking there seem to be a couple of projects sandwiching Blockchain Technology and AI which i believe is the future of technology.
Also, i partially agree with your point that it may be adopted in the creation of currency by all countries but it won't be decentralized because these countries will not let go of the control they have over their currencies.