For quick cheap transactions, outside the Steem/Bitshares realm, I use Dogecoin mainly.
Really would like the info on the offchains and sidechains part. And I know that with Lightning has some people worried in that manor too. At least I want to dig deeper into that matter. What I do know is that there is a mud throwing contest between BTC and BCH fundamentalists. But that is the two dogs fighting over a bone thing. Could be good for other cryptos as they might get away with it. ;-)
If you recall it, let me know!