Other than BTC, LTC and ETH are my other two stash coins due to their relative stability. For 2017 specifically, I'm holding SC, ARDR, GNT, XEM, and STR.

Isn't this the consequence of operating in a "free market?" Without regulation and proper vetting of companies by third party agencies, there should be no surprise that some projects are attempts to scam the masses. Why wouldn't they? It's the personal responsibility of the investor to quantify and justify the risk they take in participating in projects. Even legitimate projects could cease to exist with a change in regulation.