Forbes has an article out today: After Second Life, Can Virtual Worlds Get a Reboot? The article is an interview with Jacki Morie, a virtual world designer in telehealth care. She has been working with injured returning soldiers.
We see people interested in virtual worlds and 3D imaging in many places. People are finding uses never thought of. There is little consensus as to where it is going, just that it is going.
There is no hope in current state and i realy dont see any changes for 4 year or so. Minecraft has better chance than SL) A little chance to Blizzard “Titan” (social mmo?) that will be published some info this year.