Obviously the team have to focus on certain areas and some of these need a hardfork to implement. Is there a target date for the next one?
I think scalability for the witnesses and allowing for far more sign-ups are vital if Steem/Steemit is to grow. Some of the other listed items are implemented by external tools.
For the non-technical user, ease of use is vital. They want to share media as easily as they can on Facebook and probably don't really want to get into Markdown. That should still be available for those who want it.
The next few months are going to be interesting. Steem is on the brink of going viral, but has to be able to handle it.
The next hardfork (velocity) should be somewhat soon. The hf after that (SMTs) is scheduled for Q1 of next year.