I think it comes down to risk tolerance. You can invest in mining equipment and feel some level of comfort knowing YOU hold and control your BTC.

Whereas with trading, you're dependent so much on the company behind the coin (altcoins). Or in some cases, an exchange locking up registrations, withdrawals, etc.

I like to control the money so, to me anyway, mining is the more comfortable way to go. Profitable? Maybe, maybe not. But I like to sleep good at night