It's best to look at the ratio of BTC/XCP rather than the dollar value. Counterparty is a toolkit to extend Bitcoin, so it makes sense that the price is tied closer to BTC value rather than fiat. Currently the volume is really low. So if you want to buy a larger amount of XCP, you will push the price up a lot...
XCP just had a 1 year anniversary. And look at how much time Bitcoin had to get mainstream... yet it's still just taking first steps. In this moment in time there is no cryptocurrency where you can say generalize that high price = utility and competitive advantage.
If the Bitcoin price is already confusing, the price of XCP is even more confusing.
BTC needs to become more mainstream, and then we will likely be able to see things clearer. For now BTC is still dominated by miners and speculators, rather than actual users.