We all know about the coming side chain goofy tricks that people are suggesting, all of which are ways to allow NYC wall street bankers and the FED take over btc (not including the proposed 4mb block size standalone update)...
The point of bitcoin is to be a currency for the PEOPLE ! its not a stock like the fat cats want it to be. If these forks and splits happen to the currency it will likely be a slow death, just like they want... But luckily if it really is the end for btc one day, the internet can come up with something new that will take over again, and again, and again. As for me, I have all my money in LTC, it might not be the best but its the silver to bitcoins gold.