But I still think 2018 will be remembered as the year bitcoin was replaced. I just don't see the services adopting segwit that could maybe still save the day (along with LN).
If you think that, you truly are an ignorant idiot. If you can't comprehend why "Bitcoin is being banned by X or Y" while they spam promote ETH and Ripple (et al.), then you will be playing right in their hands. That which they can not control, is that which they will actively fight. Be wary of *coins* (Ripple is not even a cryptocurrency) which the government or banks are not trying to fight against.
Simple example:
https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/899902/Bitcoin-price-LIVE-Coin-slammed-biggest-ponzi-scheme-in-history-as-price-falls.