Oof. I understand why the first friend is taking that approach -- if you don't have a lot of retirement capital and you're being conservative, btc does seem like a big risk (especially when you're invested in the fiat mindset). Keeping my fingers crossed for him.

Second one seems a bit tougher. I mean, it should be obvious that the scam wasn't btc or crypto here, but the phishing and the fact that Coinbase doesn't insure deposits. But as you note, he's not one you can tell stuff to.

Also, first time I've thought about Wang in a long time! Used some of their products decades ago.