Ripple can't be that bad if the Bank of England is running a POC with their technology.
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/Documents/fintech/ripplepoc.pdfIn today's world, do you really think an "independent" idea of any sort is allowed to capture such an important social sphere, as currency or monetary utility? Of course one of the main solutions has to be ordained from the "in" crowd. Any other solution will be killed off or tainted.
Best to be aware and profit intelligently where possible.