I don't think the form will be classical communism. It's closer to classical fascism (means of production privately owned; tightly regulated by the government, etc.). I agree with your take on public sentiment. The public lacks the degree of responsibility and risk-taking that accompany independence and freedom. The public prefers "the collective" to "the family" or "the self."
The US has gone through a radical transformation already, most of it since the late 1910's. I view the constitution as a dead letter, kept alive in form only (see Weekend at Bernie's) with the animating spirit being almost entirely removed. I figure it'll be kept around for a few generations, at least.
Even the America that we grew up with is gone for good. Not that all happening these days is discovery or invention of a new federal power - remember Nixon's wage and price controls?
People seem to want to be treated like children by mommy government these days. Mother Pelosi acts like she does for a reason.
You’ll see it on this site when everyone looks to government to keep them safe instead of asking for an end to the abridgment of their freedoms so they can take care of dangerous situations.