Don't think of Ethereum as a cryptocurrency. Ethereum is more a crypto-solution to centralized web services rather than financial services.
Think of its token, ether, as fuel for ethereum processes.
Nope. The only thing it is is a money making train right now. Incredible volumes. The only thing folks are seeing is profit. People would trade a token whose only function would be to make your dachshund sing like Michael Bolton if it made them similar money.