Ring signatures are going to be implemented in V2. I will begin development immediately after I opensource V1.
How do we compete against clones? Can they clone me? I work on this full time. In fact, I've only been at it four months. So far I've implemented DarkSend + X11 + DGW + Masternode payments. Plus, I've agreed to work on this project till at least Jan 2016 full time. So who on earth would invest in a clone?
I really look forward to the successful implementation of masternode and ring signature. By then, DRK will have a value of 0.1 BTC or even more.