When you look back through this thread, and see how many of the "missing" apps are now on WP8 (Vine, Instagram, Mint, Temple Run 2, Subway Surfers, etc...), I think one has to be blind to not see that WP8's app selection (now over 200k) is growing rapidly, and the name apps are hitting. I think we are going to see some big things in 2014 concerning WP. Little things like a quick drop down for settings, notification center for those who need, separate volume controls, etc... will add up quickly. if Verizon gets that 929 out, I think you will see a big uptick in WP users on that carrier. Release a similar type of phone worldwide, and you will have a big hit.
One thing is for sure, despite what a lot of fanboys want to think, the reality is that, in the US, the market is driven by "the in thing". The iPhone has been that item for the past few years, and the Galaxy line recently became that. If the Lumia line manages to become the cool thing to have, that, and that alone, will be what breaks WP out of the 3rd spot and push it into 2nd in the US. I think the iPhone is ripe for the picking as it has simply become stale, and I'm noticing a lot of iPhone users aren't as big on their phones as they used to be. I wouldn't be surprised if, by the end of 2014, WP hasn't surpassed the iPhone in all major markets outside of the US. But, as with anything, I think people should find which one works best for their usage and use that one. Stop being sheep and figure which phone is best for you.