destroying is different from sending to graveyard. this card trigger every effect that says "when this card is destroyed ..." or similiar (e.g. sacred phoenix, warm worm), but altar don't.
Apologies, with Tribute as part of the name... nvm. There are multiple "conditions" to moving monsters from the field (and hand) to other parts of the field.
Altar has the Send condition, which can work with cards like Pteradactyl & Kidmodo Dragon.
DPot has the Destroy condition, which most FIRE Attribute cards like Warm Worm & Nephtys can take advantage of easily.
It all depends on your cards
Another way to understand, is this:
Say you have a weakened monster on your side cause of wall, which pretty much anyone has x2. With Potion you will gain LP equal to the nerf (-800 etc), but with Altar you heal the original attack points of your weakened monster.
MarcusRC
What
