It really is dumb how many alt coins are out on the market now. I totally agree.

Some are good and for sure here to stay. I am a fan of the ones that offer innovative features and are not just "cut and paste" coins.

Coins I like:
LTC (because it has a great developer network and community)
PPC (innovative technology... sunny is a great developer)
XPM (because of implications towards scientific research)
NXT (super beta coin right now but IMHO has HUGE potential so I invested a small amount (.35 btc) into it. Never invest more than you can afford to loose)
DTC (I like the idea of being able to store data on the block chain)
NMC (domain name idea is cool too)


However, as you can see this is just too many coins. NXT combines everything into one which is great but who knows if it will take off.

The only ones that are "needed" IMHO are BTC and LTC. LTC because I think a second block chain is needed for added strength and LTC has great support / community already.