There would be too much to quote here, this is a must read for everyone if you haven't come across it already,
The resolution of the Bitcoin experiment by Mike Hearn. Fair warning, it is a bit disheartening to read but an important view point to consider from a former bitcoin core developer. Mike is clearly passionate and disappointed, even open source communities need good leadership that is not driven by greed and self interest.
I don't think the main point here is that Bitcoin will fail. It is very likely to be replaced, though, by a cryptocurrency that actually does effectively address the issues.
Right now, Bitcoin is the most accepted channel for connecting crypto to USD (and other fiat currencies), but that could literally change overnight, especially if a renowned service like CoinBase starts offering DNote/fiat trades (or pick any other reputable altcoin). If it truly becomes easier for the customers and the business to go through a new altcoin/fiat channel, then that's what's going to happen. As the article indicates, the Coinbase people are primarily businessmen, and they will go with what works. If Bitcoin quits working, Coinbase and companies like it will still be around, just using something else. It's really that simple.
I personally think Bitcoin will be around for quite a while, but it's doubtful whether it will remain the primary cryptocurrency. Quite frankly, there are better options out there, and the only reason they aren't being fully utilized is that they haven't reached the necessary critical mass of people knowing about and adopting them. Once that critical mass is reached, Bitcoin will be displaced as the primary. It will then continue to be used for some niche uses (as many altcoins are used now), and its capacity will fall to about what its block size can actually handle.
If you've put all your eggs in the Bitcoin basket, then the news from this article is very sad. However, if you keep the big picture in mind (especially the overall altcoin landscape), then it's really not as big a deal as the author makes it sound. It doesn't seem any different to me than say the first computer company being displaced as the market leader by a newer one that does computers better. Happens all the time.
Technology always evolve and get better. There are many smart people in our industry capable of solving any technical problem, given the leadership and support, the lack of which is not helpful in the case of Bitcoin. However, Bitcoin is not going away anytime soon, though it may remain as a speculative trading vehicle, with limited use as a medium of exchange.
It is a massive undertaking to build a viable digital currency capable of meeting the full functions of money. In my opinion, the possibility of accomplishing such ultimate goal is remote, without strong leadership, commitment, and long term vision, working constructively as a group. Drama of this nature promotes a culture of "build and destroy" so prevalent in our industry.