i guess if you know how to price your fee properly and your using updated software, then yes.

I speculate that a reason that monero isn't enjoying a climb right now is because of the lack of fiat -> xmr exchanges.

This recent bitcoin fork + the blocksize debate + these spamming attacks means that anyone entering the bitcoin system from fiat is not experiencing a fully functioning cryptocurrency. Perhaps they are testing a purchase, seeing it sputter, and then buying litecoin instead... because that blockchain is working right now. Indeed, I'm flummoxed by this rise of bitcoin price while all this crap is going on. Clearly, its new money coming in that doesn't really pay attention to whats happening.

for instance, if I wanted to buy monero right now, I'd have to find a way through litecoin to get to an exchange. The fiat -> bitcoin onramp to cryptocurrency is currently under construction.

Looks like you don't even know the difference between a clone and a fork.

Tenebrix has 5 minute blocks, LTC has 2.5.  Just like XMR halved BCN's block time when it forked.

All I did was point out LTC is no more of a BTC (or Tenebrix, if you are a try-hard pedant) clone than XMR is a BCN clone.

If that's "defending" LTC, well...sorry to interrupt your anti-LTC Two Minutes Hate.

I know it's hard watching LTC moon while XMR slumps, but there's no need to be all bitchy and jelly.

BTW, Tacotime and I were tweaking GPUs to mine LTC years ago.  Where you there too?  PM old handle or GTFO noob!   

Am i the only one who thinks the rise may have more to do with the Mining Cartels who try to stay with the same long term profit after the LTC halving? Those are the people with a) the money and coins to make such a rise happen and also sit usually in the markets ( chinese ) where most of the things happen. It´s a too sharp rise on LTC IMO for just "new money". New money maybe also be a fuel to the rise as everyone is hoping to get rich quick again but i do not think it is the reason.

I don't think that it has to do with hate, or direct/indirect usability compare of any alt to the other(s). I think it's about maturity. LTC has had its time for quite a long time now. It has fast transactions (compared to BTC), high volume, relatively easier to buy and distribute vs the XMR. OTOH, XMR is superior tech-wise, but that doesn't render LTC useless. Plus the fact that every single exchange out there supports it! So there you have it. Maturity is something we have to wait to happen with XMR. After that happens, it will reach its righteous place.

xmr.to works well to buy things from anyone that takes btc

Sure, if I wanted to part with any of my precious XMR.  But I don't.   

All you have to do in order to prevent it from dying is bid on it. If a sufficient number of people bid a sufficient amount for it at a reasonable price than it will stay alive indefinitely.