A distributed network still needs to figure out either the best route or best routes to get packets into and out of the network. Even if you assume cryptography to deal with the MITM issue.
Think about how BGP makes the front page news about once every couple of years.
Uhm, sure? By running simulations we can evaluate various scenarios. The results referenced in OP look applicable for modeling and evaluation. For BGP as well.
Any CS students out there looking for thesis material? :)