Sadly, I think the permissioned networks will become a reality as a means of acquiescing to the government mandates for transparency, security, and ....wait for it... collecting TAXES.

Cryptocurrency developers are starting to wise up to the fact that they will need to play ball with governments who need to collect taxes on commerce. They are also seeing the need to create partnerships with larger enterprises to ensure adoption and (theoretically) stronger security.... that, and licensing and commercializing exchanges/nodes is another way to monetize cryptocurrency creations.

Decentralization of currency was the catalyst for cryptocurrencies, but capitalism and the established players of the financial world will not simply sit on the sidelines while their dominance is challenged.