>>> they would eventually be watching every transaction."
They already DO watch 'every transaction'.
And so does the rest of the world.
Transactions are PUBLIC and viewable by EVERYONE. That's the entire function of the mythical 'blockchain'.
The real question is - can a transaction be tied to an identifiable person.
How adept can one be at leaving absolutely ZERO footprint when accessing the internet ?
Just in case there's any doubt - tain't possible - and i'll guarantee that the US and just about all other major countries, can and do monitor and trace all these supposed 'transactions'.
Cryptocurrency - clumsy, inflexible, difficult to transact, easily broken access, not usable without computers, pretty damn inflexible - the second best ponzi scheme of the current century. Only the Social Security system surpasses it in the ponzi department.
You want privacy and ease of use - stick with cash.
Second place - Far more cumbersome and difficult to use or secure, gold or silver coinage.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good ...