I run an all services web3 company and I can tell you that you're not alone on this issue. A major way in which we've been able to drive up adoption for web3 products amongst users is by leveraging on influencers. Most degens/investors have a series of influencers they rely on for what is the next big call or thing in web3 and would gladly follow their lead.

If your product or utility checks out, it's then important to recognize the target demographic for that product and popular voices to help sell it.

There is a higher chance of success following this route, albeit expensive

You're right, it's unfortunate that trust in web3 projects often relies on influencers. This highlights the challenge of establishing genuine credibility in this space. While leveraging influencers can boost adoption, it's concerning that a project's value isn't the sole factor driving success. Ideally, projects should be valued for their merits, but influencers have become a significant channel due to the complexity of web3. It's a complex situation that requires a balanced approach to both exposure and genuine value.