I think using an analogy like silver to Bitcoin's gold works just fine.  LTC has great uses in a cryptocurrency system.  BTC, and other types of coins, can get along just fine with some failing and some becoming the gold standard.  Why wouldn't we have a Gold/Silver/Bronze system in our cryptocurrencies?  If a new technology came out that made a p2p coin better, why not use it?  I think many people are angry and scared that newer currencies will devalue existing ones.  They're right, it will.....but short term.  If Bitcoin can succeed, there is no reason others won't.