The word "Alt-coin" should mean "Alternative Coins". And the word alternative in a layman's language should mean having an obvious option. Example, having an alternative plan means I can decide to use Plan B, most especially if plan A may not favour me at that time. Also, Coffee is an alternative to Tea, in this scenario, alternative is a choice and not a measure of importance. In a situation where an alternative is a choice, is therefore means that the Sorrow of one will be the pleasure of the alternative.
Relating this to cryptocurrency, if BTC who is the mother of Cryptocurrencies and who has gained extensive trust ceases to exist today, will altcoins flourish or will it make the people loose total interest in cryptocurrency.
The alternative was born from the many opportunities that exist, it can purely be used by individuals and globally, in the sense that what you mention has a broad meaning to be able to understand cryptocurrency itself, but overall the alternative was born from the right choice.
Bitcoin is a counterweight to existing altcoins, but there is no relationship in the development of the altcoin, whether or not an altcoin develops is greatly influenced by the seriousness of the coin in carrying out promotions and the team that works, this cannot be separated from the hard work of the altcoins themselves.