The first wave of alts were simple clones, it was almost a given that network effects would hold them back here. However the next wave of alts are going to
a) come with real innovations and then
b) come with government sanctioned force
i think a) and b) are oxymorons. force precludes the need to innovate. thus Bitcoin will always have that advantage. we've already seen the failure of MintChip due to just this dynamic.
the creation of USDCoin would be a tacit admission by the govt that Bitcoin has merit and, paradoxically to their wishes, money will always flow to that platform which treats it best. that can't happen with an inflationary, violent coin.