I think if an altcoin is going to rival bitcoin it will need to do something unique, have a specific purpose and not just be a copycat of bitcoin.
ETH as an example is doing just that, I do think at some point we will see a newcomer that will outshine bitcoin but when is the question.
Agreed. And, as there is a lot of new money moving into digital currencies now, the opportunity exists for an alt coin to 'outshine' bitcoin. The key is wiifm (what's in it for me?)... what is the new money looking for? Buy to hold, trade for quick profits, exchange, etc, etc..