I feel very similarly to yourself. Despite my doubts and dire prediction I had hopes for a synergistic relationship between TRON and STEEM to develop. I even proposed a roadmap of sorts but very quickly realised that it would never get buy in from either side.
I think Justin has shown his hand though. A chain takeover attempt was always on the cards, I am only surprised he was able (and willing) to pull in exchange stake to force it. The community has also shown it's determination live on - whether on this chain or the next.
There is actually a lot more at stake here than just the STEEM blockchain and I think the broader crypto movement knows it too.