Actually Counterparty has had Eth contracts code even before Eth launch
Can't really see how it helped them
what if nxt had the ability to recompile ethereum smart contract code into compliant nxt smart contract code.
in effect devs on ethereum can easily hop on top of the nxt network while piggy backing on top of all the marketing ethereum has already done.
instead of coming up with your own smart contract system from scratch, wait until one of the big boys come up with something solid then assimilate it.
now nxt just acquired all the ethereum devs without having to do all the marketing.