Ripple is an example of model, where money supply is fixed, but distribution is according to the whims of a soviet.
Bitcoin is an example of model, where money supply is fixed, and distribution happens over more than 100 years according to a predetermined model where everyone can participate in a free market fashion.
Ripple team has stated that they do not want energy to be wasted in generating the money supply. In other words, they want to get something from nothing. In the real world things don't go this way. If you have paid a lot for something, you value it more, and with Bitcoin you are guaranteed to pay the going price (if you buy outright) or even more (if you start mining).
No free bitcoins have ever been. In 2009 when you could have mined thousands, the "exchange rate" was so low that you would have done better working at McDonalds (unless you saw the vision of the whole thing and just needed the amount of coins, like Satoshi, or the guy in the Reddit post). Later on and when MtGox opened, it has been more profitable to buy from an exchange, which means that the actual value is paid in return.
