Claiming that "users don't care about abstract ideas like decentralization" is a little bit like claiming "users don't care about abstract ideas like property rights or the rule of law"

I work for Ethereum at the Ethereum Foundation.

Agreed. But users don’t care about something until they need to. Decentralization is a buzz word until centralization has bad effects for users. Property rights is super valuable when someone is trying to take what is yours.

Class of 2017 I work in healthcare. Background computer science and Business. Love my family! Obsessed with Ethereum. 

I seek knowledge and freedom in all forms. 
Futurist,Transhumanist,Libertarian,
Permaculturist,Punk.

Agreed! We can all name several projects that ended badly for many because they ignored the core principles… and they paid the price. I believe the collective memory of this community continues to grow. I wonder how many Mt. Gox victims were warning the newer entrants last cycle about the importance of self custody.

I'd say most people only care about the ability to transact , whether that is infringed by high fees, bad ux ,or self appointed authorities. Only the hardcore go through a clunky system on principle. Unfortunately , most people will only care when it is too late for them.