Interesting. I use Linux but there is no way I can understand the kernel source. I just trust that there are enough kernel developers with enough goodwill that someone will see a malicious edit. I think in this case this is justified.

In the case of a cryptocurrency although the code is open source there is a much smaller pool of developers and they may have their own interests.

For sure, any malicious code is open sourced for all to see but who combs through this stuff to see if there is anything funny going on?

The value of a so called 'fiat currency' is mutually agreed by everyone who uses it (thanks for that).

What is the difference between bitcoin and another limited availability substance like gold? (apart from convenience). Bitcoin is so environmentally unfriendly that we sould end up creating physical tokens exchangable for bitcoin in order to facilitate the billions of transactions occurring everyday. And then we would end up having to float the tokens against the bitcoins and be back at fiat money!