Your points about rewarding engagement and such are focusing on the social layer
This i think is a good point Smooth made though its made in another context then what i will say.. Imo, there has been too much focus on talking about engagement and rewarding quality creators/contributors (even if that hasnt been realized to a great degree) in comparison to the focus we have on external presence of steem in the crypto ecosystem.
Everything else equal, a nation with 2 million people is twice as rich as the nation with 1 million.
We have the tools we need but we lack any kind of leadership. It doesnt need to be a single guy, it can be many but those many act like kindergarten teachers.
I really hoped that community leaders would learn a lesson from the Netcoins, "call to action" hype.. What clearer example at what can be done do you need?
But no, ship is taking in water and they are playing kindergarten games.
I dont have to power to do anything and after this, even if i tried id be shot down, but maybe this post rattles some feathers and those "leaders" start moving their butts.
You are not alone thinking like that. I've met many people sharing your way of seeing things. I haven't lost hope, perhaps you'll hang on tight too and at some point we'll come up with a solution.
Oh if Steem goes down im going down with the ship. No doubt about it. 50 feet under water ill be holding my breath and waving my bucket around as if im throwing out the water.
Still. Id rather it not come to that. 😉