Is there any reason to think that quantum computing can fundamentally do more computation than classical computers? Consider this a leading question rather than a stupid one.
> In truth, anything that a QC can calculate, a classical computer can calculate as well, given exponentially more time: for example, by representing the entire wavefunction, all 2n amplitudes, to whatever accuracy is needed. That’s why it was understood from the very beginning that quantum computers can’t change what’s computable, but only how efficiently things can be computed.
No. Scott Aaronson makes this point repeatedly in his blog. Quantum computers are much faster than conventional computers on a few problems, and practically useless for all the others. That's the whole story.
> In truth, anything that a QC can calculate, a classical computer can calculate as well, given exponentially more time: for example, by representing the entire wavefunction, all 2n amplitudes, to whatever accuracy is needed. That’s why it was understood from the very beginning that quantum computers can’t change what’s computable, but only how efficiently things can be computed.
https://scottaaronson.blog/?p=7321