For your original questions as to what I would do with 5000 Steem:
I would most likely spend half on Splinterlands Booster packs and power up the other half. I would like to see more projects such as Splinterlands succeed, and to reach the point where they are appealing to those outside of Steem's relatively small userbase.
Regarding what I would do for 5000 Steem? Slowing gather it; keep posting and trying to engage those who reply :)