If we discard the various theories that are so fond of clogging the head of all sorts of schools and teachings and wonder "what is the value in fact?"that chain of logical reasoning, in the end, you will be able to come around to this: value is determined by the aggregate desires of people to own (use) a certain asset and its rarity. Rarity until we drop. Let's think about the first point. What makes people use or own? Answer: usefulness.
Ask yourself ," what is bitcoin useful for People?"Why is he attracting more and more supporters? No one is being forced (unlike public money imposed by legislative methods) to use them. However, enjoy (sometimes even contrary). Means?

 useful his properties outweigh keep barriers, and quite strongly.
Mining has nothing to do with this issue. This is just one of the possible mechanisms for ensuring the TECHNICAL functioning of the network. It can be replaced with other mechanisms (some of which can be more effective  i.e. consume less energy, etc.), although it is unlikely, if the community so desires. So do not get hung up on it, throw it away yet, and think in another plane.