The value of WAL does not come from all the fuss people make about it. The value of WAL comes from how it is actually used in the real world with the protocol. The value of WAL is really, about how much it's a part of the way people use the protocol every day.
WAL is necessary when people really use the network. When people store data or run computations or stake for security or participate in governance they need the WAL token. This means WAL is a part of what people do every day on the network than just something people buy and sell for speculation. WAL is really important for all these activities on the network, like storing data on the network or running computations on the network or staking WAL for the security of the network or taking part in the governance of the network.
The more people use this thing the more valuable it becomes. When people use the protocol a lot the token is really important.. When things slow down peoples expectations change on their own. The token value grows alongside usage of the protocol. Nothing is forced when it comes to the protocol and the token.
This also makes the system easier to judge. If you look at the application adoption data volume and the network activity you can see where the value of the system is coming from. The system value is really important. You can understand the system value by looking at the application adoption data volume and the network activity.
In the end WAL earns its place by being useful. Its worth is tied to practical application not narratives and that is what gives it durability over time.