Crypto currency Ethereum has a different set of characteristics than bitcoin, for which it needs to be evaluated. The future of the Ether depends on the speed of development of its competitors and the success of the startups already started on its platform
Yes agree its success depends on "success of the startups already started on its platform" One major advantage Bitcoin is enjoying is Mass adaption and a lot of platform built around bitcoin. This is changing as most exchange now trade with ETH and not just Bitcoin.
What ETH also need is ease of conversion into Fiat currency.