BTC has use but the tech is what is being dealt with right now. Either sidechains create a BTC on steroids or another alt takes its place. At least that is my simplified opinion.
Ripple, Etherium, and Paycoin all tried to do that. How did that work out?
Not a fair sample size...with regards to time and example.
Personally, I don't think Ripple counts. Ethereum is still in development and I don't have too much hope for it - it needs BTC in order to sell their higher end product. Paycoin is a scam and nothing will convince me otherwise.
I placed nothing in all three...and I still stand by my assertion.
Note, I am not claiming that I have invested in any altcoin that might replace BTC...I actually believe sidechains will do it...