Just to add in my two cents, here's my input:
WDC: Is a very strong and mineable AltCoin. I love Scharmbeck.Com and feel that from an external perspective they have what it takes to bring WallStreet and the general consumer on board. Their DEV team is strong and Transparent.
FTC: Has a cool story and also a nice team. I loved the security characteristics of the coin.
ANC: Is a must as a failsafe anonymous backup coin. To add, it also has really nice market activity right now. I recommend it for everyone who mines. Spend a week each month on this coin, or dedicate a rig.
DEVCOIN: I haven't started this coin yet, but will mine it soon after my first 1/10 of a BTC. It's got a great background.
DTC, PXM, PHY: Are a few other coins I've mined and am still debating on.
At the end of the day I look at a few things:
1) Current Price in BTC
2) Current Price in USD
3) Liquidity
4) Ease of Use & Acceptance
5) Features and Practicality
6) Future wide-spread adoption in the Name itself, what it offers and how likely it is to be mined by expensive riggers
7) Mining Ease and Profitable Today and in 1-Year
If I was a Fortune-500 CEO which Coin would most threaten my company and would I have to adopt or attack. This tells me the power of the coin and its popularity.
9) One of the most Non-Technical indicators; The DEV Team. Remember, for long-term health, you need a DEV team that sticks with it, all the way.
10) Finally, imagine having a USB buried in the backyard, which wallets and coins would be on there in 10-Years that would make you happy beyond belief.
To summerize:
I am highly diversified, but my main coin is WDC (WorldCoin) They are making waves and are worth a look. They have a nice new wallet and are breaking into normalized society (worldcoinfoundation.com). Most of my mining is this coin. However, I will split between BTC mining and other Alts. Mine or buy a bunch, spend some coins and test them out. Pick your top 10 and save a few of each coin in the yard while mining or investing in your top 3. Remember, don't hoard your coins, but don't spend them all as well.