For many, money leads as the extrinsic motivator, with content as as secondary focus, dropping intrinsic motivation under extrinsic. I've talked about similar things as you in the past. We see eye to eye on much.
The features are lacking indeed. A simple tab for seeing new comments was suggested over a year ago, it's not there even though it's simply to add... Steemit inc. doesn't seem to really care about doing things that will improve user retention... like functions for increasing interaction. Messaging system was also suggested... but nope... don't add that to the site even if it can't be on the blockchain... Making a one-stop-market for all functionality is needed for onboarding mainstream users, but that isn't a focus at all at all at all...
So many people here don't care about content. For them it's all about their stake and doing short-sighted things that they think will increase their stake. Money leads. So many times I've read 'popular' people talk about how content and quality doesn't matter. They really don't get it at all. Money has blinded them.