[b1daly]

Well, banks have tremendous restrictions on what they can do, in collusion, or unilaterally.

One very good reason for this high level of regulation is that banks are a primary component of the money supply system. Having a functional monetary system is a great thing, for the society as a whole.

It has aspects of being a public good. (Some people argue that banking should be made a government supplied service, for this reason.)

Almost every aspect of modern life is subject to laws and regulations, by a sovereign entity of some sort.

Such an entity has very valid reasons for regulating the use of bitcoin.

Even people using bartering systems have gotten in trouble with the IRS.