I like that bitcoins have an actual economy of utility, where they can be directly exchanged for goods and services in a variety of ways. Most altcoins don't have that, most of 'em never will, and it's really the only thing I care about.
I believe it is foolish to hold any altcoin long term. No matter what any developer claims; you know they store their value in
BTC.
shapeshift.io very effectively enables cross chain transactions; effectively creating one economy out of all supported coins. I can confirm their api and skeleton implementation are well designed, and their customer support will resolve an issue; if you have one.
While I have always felt it is the responsibility of every miner to only use pools that represent less than 12% of the total Network hashrate; it is also important that: the Network be distributed geographically.
Currently too much of the total Network hashrate is geolocated in China. Bitmain has repeatedly claimed they support a distributed Network; but they like any corporation, will always be motivated by profit. Splitting their pool into 2 distinct pools; is proof they are aware of the situation.
Buying miners from a Chinese Manufacturer will ultimately only increase the geographic centralization of the Network in China. Bitmain will have a new miner to populate their own mines, and or sell to us; in early March. Please don't support Bitmain unless they start actually supporting the distribution of the Network.
I would rather make GPU rigs and mine altcoins, than support the centralization of the Network in China. Hopefully your new Bitfury miners will be complete soon; and I will be able to get some new miners in good conscience.