UI is really important if we look from that marketing aspect, to attract newbies and investors, but we can consider that part just as ''cherry on the top'' after everything is settled down.
People don't understand that this is still beta and that there is long way ahead, there's no need for drama. As long as we have this UI, it's actually good sign because it means that there are much more things to be worked on and that Steemit is progressing, just behind the scenes.
I'm big believer in SMT, I've circled March 2019 in my calendar since this video
Thanks for this info :)