Some of the big nations are already making the moves... I can't remember where I saw this, but in Russia they are trying to craft all the rules needed not only to embrace the current cryptocurrencies we all know, but also create one of their own.

As you say, as much as we hate the idea of "regulations" they do bring legitimacy to the idea. Cryptocurrency went from a delusional idea crafted by nerds to an investment for those with steel steel guts and its currently on its way to be in the same shelve as stocks, at least in the eyes of the world.