thanks for the valuable post. Addition to yours, i always try to use common sense before i jump into coin. All of the coins aim to be used by the masses exchange of something on long run. I try to see that first. How possible it is? What it takes them to be an everyday product? if i see the posibilities are high; i go for it!
Second checkpoint is the team behind the coin. Devs. Their communication with their community. Just try to get to know them well. who they are, what they did in the past, what they eat, where they hang etc... Check the github activites. See how constant they do some updates and releases. maybe this helps: https://steemit.com/cryptocurrency/@denizkorkmaz/this-new-website-ranks-cryptocurrencies-based-on-their-github-activities
More you learn, more you earn.