Could the decentralized nature of Bitcoin hinder its ability to adapt to changing circumstances?

Bitcoin has a well-defined process for implementing feature changes, but this does not mean it is not without controversy, differing opinions, or challenges. The very fact that it is hard to change is a strength of the protocol. The essence of Bitcoin is the "consensus mechanism" and this has not changed and likely never will. Other feature changes allow for different transaction configurations and have been approved, developed, and merged into the code base. This makes Bitcoin more efficient and resilient into the future. It is a misconception to think that Bitcoin is fixed and never changing. When changes are made, they are implemented in a way that is backward compatible so that existing Bitcoin can always be processed.

In summary, Bitcoin can adapt and will continue to evolve... slowly by design.