The reason for that level of sucess is because it does better what it proposes to do, which is to be a good store of value and censorship resistant. Most other currencies try to do the same, but there is no way for them to achieve this being so centralized.
Yes you stated a good point. For me I found bitcoin really unique in terms of the features and credentials this like to offer. I think the feature makes the people more likely to work here cause they get all what they deserve.