I Disagree
If You're Looking for SPEED... Alt picking can sometimes even hinder your performance... It's alot easier to do Lagato because you don't have to be as coordianted. (you only have to worry about one hand instead of 2) OR You can do 5-string, or 6-string Arpeggios....
Perfect example is Yngwie Malmsteen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh_AChZgYmA