It is highly unlikely for ETH to take over the status of BTC from all perspective of honesty. To be fair though ETH is growing rather strongly in very much in it's own convenience and advantages.

I guess one of the most secure ways would be to obtain those alt coins using methds such as faucets and what not in the beginning phase?

Of course you make money from money. The correct question is by using what method. Most people would choose to gamble and finger crossed they win big but that is just an fallacy. The most reasonable way to make money from money is to fully utilize your resources in securing a consistent income, to do that you will need the ability to fulfill the market demands.. then money will flow to you.

Very eye opening thread as to the value of gold in comparation to bitcoin.

I would say that gold would certainly be timeless in its value but bitcoin is uncertain because without electricity or internet connection, bitcoin is useless.