looks like every one who joined crytocurrency bandwagon in the month of November and december due to the increasing prices have already left the boat. Most of the altcoins are back to their november prices except bitcoin. If not for Mt Gox selling their Bitcoins stash this crash would not have happened. They created FUD and Made market more volatile. For 3 solid months bitcoin and other curencies were doing good. Now they don't. This crash is a slow but big crash.
But this has also brought out the fact that the bitcoin is the safest investment for long term compared to others.
Lightening Network definitely helps reduce transaction charges for those who wish to use it as a currency to buy coffee or anything else. This might boost the demand and increase the use case.