Hey there Bob - Bitcoin was a proof of concept for a new technology - Blockchain. Blockchain is here to stay, like another commenter said.
But bitcoin, I'm not so sure. Of course I have a bit in my portfolio, but these 'alts' with real use-cases are the future. I see no good usecase for bitcoin other than it was the first and no one can decide (precisely as you ask) if this is all real or not.
Going to follow you for more of your thoughts - see what you do around here ;p
Appreciate your input as well...I agree on bitcoin...but every time it seems ready to be put out to pasture...it seems to find a life of its own...sometimes I wonder if some big power is behind it all? I imagine the exchanges and miners have a lot at stake to keep it viable...and if nothing else...maybe it is good to keep it around as the "anchor" to everything else...
It has support - agreed, keep it in your portfolio - but be ready to keep milking that beautiful cow and putting it in ripe alternative opportunities ;p