There are newer cryptocurrencies than BTC with better technology. However we often insist that BTC is "king" because of its "first mover advantage" and its greater adaption. But then USD has far far greater adaption than BTC.
Better,
how exactly? No blockchain has been stress-tested like BTC. Nothing has faced attacks of similar scale, and nothing has nearly the same security in terms of POW. And the most prolific developers in the world are working on Bitcoin Core or Lightning. All of that reinforces demand for BTC. It's not just the "first mover" advantage.
Shouldn't we value more technology than adaption? Isn't it natural that in the end other cryptocurrencies with better technology will prevail?
Slow and steady wins the race. Smart contracts are coming to Bitcoin with Simplicity. Sidechains are coming with Liquid, Rootstock, etc. Lightning, atomic chain swaps and more.
You say the "first mover" advantage shouldn't matter...but then why does it matter if some other altcoins incorporate new technology before Bitcoin? I'm all for innovative altcoins, but I think they should be targeting new use cases that are unlikely to be ported to Bitcoin. I think you underestimate user faith in the most secure blockchain (really the most secure payment system) in the world.