I'm no expert either...but every time some wag announces the end of silicon, i.e., "we've reached the limit to how far silicon technology can take us," some geek in Birkenstocks and a ripped t-shirt figures out how to squeeze out more performance.
Also remember the semicon industry has billions and billions invested in equipment, tooling, technology, etc. So they'll make sure silicon is around for a while. The same way Duracell has hidden the technology for 99% efficient solar cells in their vaults.
