...just re-using the terms for continuity and simplicity sake.
yes, a PoW algo is probably better generic term, although I am not confident complex algos would be accepted as first-line replacements by the wider community.
Some of the hashing functions used with hashcash are exceedingly complex, such as RandomX used in a popular coin. Even scrypt, an extremely popular choice of hash function, is relatively complex, long after its 128KB memory footprint briefly served its purpose of resisting ASICs.
You're right that Bitcoin will never accept a change of PoW. At least not until SHA256 shows signs of being broken.
...just re-using the terms for continuity and simplicity sake.
yes, a PoW algo is probably better generic term, although I am not confident complex algos would be accepted as first-line replacements by the wider community.
am I wrong in that assessment?