Vitalik is simply trying out new options as ethereum is based on the blockchain and ethereum must move towards blockchain that is scalable, fast and node friendly.
The new layers are a fundamental addition for the ethereum network, not only because bitcoin added similar options to overpass some issues because bitcoin has no competitor yet, that Ethereum is not only facing scalebility problems but also have to compete with other ecosystems aiming to facilitate the adoption of the smart-contracts and make it friendly-use such as EOS.
Early talk about if this may really help but hopefully ethereum is always considered as an under-developement ecosystem which related its progression by fixing accuring bugs and the full analyse of the market.
So remind: Ethereum is still an undervalued token until reache its full developement.