Well this computer power for rent idea is a good one. And it is not even new since in good ole times when the mainframes were extremely expensive this behaviour has already happend. For sure this is an absolute realistic way to strenghten the basis of gridcoin and to really make a business out of the infrastructure that is already existing.
I think we could even try to get beyond that, whats currently missing and i agree with you 100% (because i got parents of my own not able to understand what iam doing) is a layer in between the technical details like installing a wallet and the real function of cryptocurrencies in general. The function for sure is paying for things you want to have, being able to give your counterparty in a transaction something which the counterparty sees as exactly of the same worth than the good he or she is selling.
What is most important is that paying must be as ( or almost as ) easy as it is right now, by simply getting the purse out or paying with plastic :) If we can define this layer in between so that the user does not need to care about technical details (like if there is an internet connection at the spot he wants to make the payment) then iam sure that cryptocurrencies will prevail. Because in the end we are living in very modern times, only the money that we are using is dating back (if we think about the first coins ) 2700 years.
Anyways, for all of you out there wanting to know more about Gridcoin in general take look at Gridcoin.
If you need any specific help setting up BOINC or the wallet, look around in Steem there is a big presence here.
Thanks @applepiie for the post and the ideas !