Slow adoption of layer 2 for the masses

It seems like the whole concept of layer 2 chains should really be taking off as a viable solution for the smaller investor or help to push towards realistic use and utility of the ecosystem as a whole. With Gas fees being pretty unusable for small retail investors (me) that have some experience and want to keep working and learning how to utilize the greater ethereum network, I keep expecting some of the stronger layer 2 chains to step into the spotlight.

is the relatively static growth and adoption due to uncertainty/no clear front runner? or are these being used primarily behind the scenes by experienced crypto users/dev's/companies etc and the intricacies just haven't made it front and center the average retail user?