A HF to 2MB blocks in 2016 is debatable at this point. In 2017, I think that most agree it's happening one way or another.
Last year the XT pushers told us
A HF to 8MB blocks in 2015 is debatable at this point. In 2016, I think that most agree it's happening one way or another.
If Classic can't shrug off a few silly script kiddies and their flimsy DDoS attacks, why does it deserve to replace Core?
I agree, Classic hasn't earned the right to replace Core. It has however influenced Core to improve communication, meet with miners and likely to update (euphemism clarify) the roadmap. Competition, even if uneven is a good thing.