so how do any of us expect the bitcoin to rise in value over long term when there is so much innovative competition that could add attributes in a new blockchain which would out-date bitcoin in efficiency in every way?
Other people are more knowledgeable to answer your question in more detail, but bitcoin's value is based on supply & demand, on a "currency" that, over time, is growing more and more scarce. (Around late 2016, at the halving, bitcoin's block reward will be cut from 25 to 12.5) That is how it becomes more valuable, over time.
As to your statement about innovation, Bitcoin can be "updated" and "forked" if the community all agrees to do so.
If we needed to upgrade to a higher form of encryption, instead of SHA256, we could.
Most likely, there will be no "innovation" that will replace Bitcoin outright.
Bitcoin will exist as long and people use it and miners mine it.
You might be referring to an Alt-coin surpassing Bitcoin. That is possible, but not likely since Bitcoin basically has a three year lead on all other coins.
Bitcoin is adaptable and will continue for many more years, IMO.
Edit: Also, Bitcoin currently is truly decentralized. Some of the "innovative" blockchain like tech, that is theoretically better then Bitcoin in the future, would most likely be run by a company like google or apple, or maybe even a government. That type of blockchain is not what Satoshi Nakamoto envisioned.