Bitcoin is crypto but the difference is that blockchain exists because of bitcoin, the blockchain that is used by other coins and other areas today. This makes bitcoin more popular because other cryptocurrencies are copying it and not unique like bitcoin. The founder is not known, nobody know if Satoshi is a group, a man or woman, a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist etc. It has all the characters that can make it prosper.
I like it as the identity of the founder remains unknown, for many competitor's would have done everything within their power to make sure that Bitcoin would never exist anymore and even if it does, it won't be as popular as this, because Blockchain was made up through the creation of Bitcoin, which other cryptocurrencies uses Blockchain but Bitcoin is remains number one, which it won't be irreplaceable by any other coin's, because Bitcoin has done more good in people's lives and if the founder of Bitcoin was known, it would have be easier for the government to be part of it, either by negotiating with the founder or they stop the founder from functioning.
You make a good point @Achalugo BTC. If the identity of Satoshi was still known, it would've definitely brought up certain unnecessary issues which would have potentially affected the rise, adoption and anonymity of Bitcoin. And just like you rightly said, the government would've definitely gotten direct access or sort for ways to pattern with Bitcoin, and who knows what could've become if Bitcoin if that were to happen. Staying hidden without anyone or should I say the general public knowing about his whereabouts. This has also made a lot of people to have some level of trust in Bitcoin because since its creator is nowhere to be found, they're sure no one will steal their funds and as long as they can keep their keys safe, so will their money.