It's practically impossible for regular people to buy Bitcoin

Did you read the article at all? How is mining BTC an option for regular people? Have you attempted to purchase a foreign currency? It's usually a two-click operation at most.

This is why I was unable to buy bitcoins when I first read about them on HN in 2010 and similar in 2011 when the price had gone over $1 and actually showed promise. (I have some emails to colleagues / friends showing my frustration at the time of wanting to get some)

I always wanted just 1 (still do), but back in 2010 I was just going to spend £100 and see what happens. It seems in the US the people who did similar to what I wanted to do in varying forms made good profits (and had an interesting ride).

This is different from 'speculating' (e.g. 'oh I wish I had actually bought some') - I had full intent and wanted to buy them, but just the barrier to entry due to UK regulations were very high. I even tried to arrange peer to peer transactions through reddit or in person but they also seemed difficult. Most people I ever met in person who had any didn't want to sell due to the belief of the ever increasing price.

It is not practically impossible to buy bitcoins. It may take a little effort that is all and even then it is minimal effort if you spend any time at a computer.

Localbitcoins.com – You can buy bitcoins from other individuals either in person or using bank transfer. There is an escrow system in place for protection of buyer and seller. Using bank transfer you dont even need to leave your house, you can do it via online banking.

BTC-e.com – This exchange does not require verification to deposit money or trade but you may need to provide verification before you withdraw. I sent pictures of my photo driving licence and a photo of a utility bill and was verified within 48 hours.

Bitstamp – you need to be be verified before you can deposit money. Follow the rules they lay down re: high quality scan and photo and you will be fine.

MtGox – Same as above, follow the rules and it is fine. Verification did at one time (April bubble) take a few weeks, it is much more reasonable now.

These are 3 of the exchanges but there are others such as Kraken, Coinbase etc.

Keep in mind that there are no legally compliant Bitcoin exchanges that support deposits or withdrawals in the United States. This means that their (and your) assets could be frozen by regulators at any point in time with no prior notice.

I can walk into a currency exchange store and get any currency I want within minutes, Rubles or Kroner or whatever. I can go to a bank and get money in several currencies.

I cannot do this with Bitcoin. It is a lot harder.