[chrispeel]

Here's a guess at a timeline

* 1-4 years from now: we have a robust scalable blockchain from someone, maybe Ethereum. This is essential for anything big to follow.

* 2-5 years from now: we get a robust identity and reputation system. Or likely multiple reputation and identity systems

* 3-6 years from now: blockchain tech moves beyond startup and incubator stage with a few widely used apps. Maybe intl money transfer, a decentralized social network, or decentralized AirBnB.

* 10-25 years from now: the things that are referred to in the OP article above by Joseph Lubin occur.

You asked about 'immediate wins'; for Ethereum it is mind-share among developers. At present Ethereum is the place to learn smart contracts and to experiment with code.