I think it all depends on the ethereum developer, if the developer is serious in developing then it looks like ethereum will never be defeated by other altcoins let alone lost in circulation. Most altcoins are lost because of not being serious in their development, but I see ethereum is an altcoin that will get better and will never disappear in the market. ethereum is the best altcoin
right now if we talk about developers of course there is a very good clarity when Jeff Prestes talks about the hard fork which is expected to bring good news for eth.
apart from gas, which has been in question for a long time, it will decrease, I think eth will also start to be in demand again by most altcoin lovers.
and I think this will be a turning point for eth to go fast and hopefully for this year eth will be stable again