2009 Satoshi put TEMPORARILY the 1 MB cap to avoid spam. This is when bitcoin has no value, 0 USD per bitcoin. This 1MB cap was to be removed when the Bitcoin network is resilient enough against spam. Meaning, when bitcoin is worth money, the 1MB cap can be removed.

2012 The resiliency against spam is ready (Bitcoin worth 10 USD) , because spamming the network would cost money. So spamming would give value to Bitcoin. Annoying, but adding value.

So this whole 1MB discussion is a delusion. The 1 MB should be removed years ago.