I think bitcoin is very influential in the world of cryptocurrency.
Easy example is how Ethereum has its own base market, where you can trade ETH/LTC, ETH/BCC, etc. In other words, the altcoin market can actually stand on its own feet when Bitcoin is no longer thriving or available.
It's called progression. I am actually happy that we managed to grow to where we are right now. It makes this market not only more robust in its entirety, but also something that we can ALWAYS fall back on when needed.