Can someone convince me bitcoin mining isn't anything other than a huge waste of energy?
I can't because I think it is. It's also doing its part in destroying the planet as a consequence.
Depends on if you see the use case of censorship resitant payment as something we should allow or not (such as paying the Ayatollah to go through the strait).
I for one don't.
Sounds like you've already made up your mind?