Perhaps, but an epic crash of the most well-known brand, a death spiral in investor confidence and the ensuing media reports would kill not only Bitcoin but pot

Perhaps, but an epic crash of the most well-known brand, a death spiral in investor confidence and the ensuing media reports would kill not only Bitcoin but potentially any other cryptocurrencies. Legislation could follow to block or at least pigeonhole any other crypocurrencies into a really niche market.