Any bike is suitable for just about any purpose a bike is suited for...just some are better suited than others. Even among the new, hip, cool, hybrid classification, some bikes are better suited for some purposes than others.

My 'hybrid' is a Raleigh Rt-24 that is pretty much my snow bike and doesn't get used for much more than a 'guest' bike during the warmer months. For hauling groceries and junk I use my Big Dummy, tho for smaller loads I can use my Fuji World, Raleigh Superbe or even my Raleigh One-Way, for commuting I can use any of my 7 bikes, but mostly use the Fuji. For general errands I can use the Big Dummy, the Fuji, the Superbe or the One-Way. For roadie type rides I use my Salsa La Raza, or maybe the Fuji or my old 80ish Bianchi if the weather is sucky. For rides on rail-trails and such I usually use any of the 7, but prefer the One-Way since they are fairly flat.

As you can see, I'm not a one bike guy anymore, but I can tell you that if I had to settle for keeping just one bike it would be my Fuji World...as you can see I can use it for just about anything. But that's my choice and if a so-called hybrid is your choice, that's cool with me. They are all bikes and the best bike is the one that works best for you...no matter what category someone wants to lump it into.