How would the history of the Roman Republic have been different if Caesar had not been inated in 44BC?

Just something I was pondering over. I'm currently reading a fantastic book, CAESAR by Adrian Goldsworthy and it occurred to me what if Caesar had not been inated. We know that he was on the verge of setting out on another campaign in the weeks that surrounded his ination but unfortunately for him these never came to pass. I proposed in my thoughts that IF Caesar had escaped, then the whole course of history that followed would have changed in small but significant ways. Firstly, Octavian would not yet have been named Caesar's rightful heir and so cause a rivalry with Marc Antony. Secondly, Caesar's dictatorship would have lasted longer, for he was only in his mid fifties at the time of his death. Thirdly, it is probable that the Republic would have inevitably lasted longer than it eventually did as Caesar held no wish to see it destroyed. However one must also consider if this would have detracted from the extraordinary developments made by the Roman Empire. Anyway, what are your thoughts?