I could list examples like this[0] or convince you that I'm a pretty healthy web3 skeptic who still doesn't round the valid use cases to 0, but I suspect you've already made up your mind and are just trying to be a stubborn internet arguer
The refugee in the story you cited could have achieved the same with a Submariner tucked under his sleeve. Or a couple gold coins. That's one step from money laundering. At least the Rolex has buyers who will provide liquid demand based on its use as an accessory. Gold is functional in industrial applications. The demand side of cryptocurrency is pure speculation.