I believe each iteration of blockchain must serve a purpose to have long term value. Bitcoin has become an online type of gold reserve, and in many ways a gateway into the cryptocurrency world of altcoins, as well as a giant investment pool of capital that can used to fund other projects.

Bitcoin has long term value because it's purpose (coincidentally) is long term value. (insert meme of crying football player holding a picture of himself crying).

As crypto evolves, Vertcoin or Litecoin will serve as a more liquid reserve between bitcoin and other altcoins, but Bitcoin is and will continue to be the gold reserve of the internet.

Crypto like Steem serves its purpose, and serves it very well. we are using it right now to communicate on several layers.

Hopefully as time progresses we won't need to exchange crypto clumsily, but use something like tenxpay (or insert whatever bitcard gets used in your area) for physical purchases and spending, and Bitcoin will be the gold reserve that holds the whole system thing together.