I think all the coins are intrinsically useless because they are being used just for speculation at the moment and the true potential of the crypto hasn't been uncovered yet.
Namecoin is not only the first Bitcoin fork but also the answer for the greatest problems humanity facing today. In a few years you will see how Namecoin becomes the most valuable cryptocurrency regardless of the speculations by capitalists.
namecoin is definitally a good one, and i do agree with you, it got overshadowed by others trying to get in with their own things.
but, i think it allowed it, as useful as it is, its a very boring coin, in crypto people want exciting things, boring, strictly useful things get old quick

Heres to namecoin rising again one day!