Everything you pointed out about Bitcoin is accurate. It's not 10,000 times better than Steem, but it does currently have seemingly better propagation (as in more people know about it) because it's been around for 10 times longer than Steem.
Bitcoins so-called superiority is an illusion created by the fact that it was first, and has had a ridiculous head start.
But you're right, the next year is likely when it begins to lose it's lead. There's a good chance that it's price will continue to climb (it's inherently exclusive and deflationary, after all) but Steem and SMT's will hit a breaking point where they're in so many hands that the net utility of Steem will begin to skyrocket in the eyes of the normal person.
This is when the tide will likely begin to turn. It all comes down to a propagation game. Think about it only 1 person had every U.S. dollar. Worthless. There has to be circulation of some sort. Bitcoin corners the deflationary market for exclusive participants, but Steem will fill the niche for widespread appeal.
If you type in Steem to Google now, you'll mostly see niche articles and Steemit blog posts. It won't even directly list the price if you type in 'Steem price'. You'll know the storm is about to hit when this changes.
In short you're correct - buckle up, folks. It's likely that 2018 will be the year that the Steem will take the world by storm.
Yes this is one of the problems Steem is facing. Lack of promotion. The Google search will also lead you to articles from people who have no idea about it saying it's a ponzi. It's just not a good look. More work has to be done to promote Steems strength so the masses or cryptocurious can learn about it
When I type STEEM, I get results about valve’s game distribution platform - Steam !