Yes because it is a divergence from the current bitcoin so would mean it is an alternative version of bitcoin so altcoin it is, regardless if more people support it and it becomes the leader it is still an altcoin, in my eyes anyway.
Yes it is just an altcoin because it just alternative coin for the bitcoin. I think they just made it to double their money. still this coin cant never surpass bitcoin. It will still remain as an altcoin no matter what happen.