In their current form, BTC are slow to verify transactions and sometimes even when moving them around. They - owners and miners- need to decide on a viable path to make them more user friendly if they want them to go mainstream.If more use is to made using them some form of Directory needs to be established to see who 'accepts' them in the various countries?
Leaving them as a slow trading, safe instrument for investment and speculation will see volatility continue- been better lately though.
Decision time re forking status and block expansions need to be sorted now. Whichever, I believe they are and will be a good investment going forward.
Other Altcoins are showing real promise in the transaction and currency conversion markets and there are a few in the wings that are going to shake up the retail markets at SME level initially, with 'desirable' benefits for all participants ,,free!
There is no doubt that we live in interesting times and opportunities are many- always be wary and check them before rushing in spurred by hype!
Enjoy!