I've used Steem and SBD to pay people for art and music. I want to do more of that. It's really convenient and doesn't eat into my bank account. I'd allocate part of what I earn here to such purchases. I hope to see more options available soon.
It will be a shame if SBD has to go. As you said that makes life easier for sellers.
Would it help if some whales used their Steem to buy art from some of the fine artists here? Distributing the Steem would help to balance things out and it may encourage others to sign up and become part of that market.