Most part of the SteemFest attendies are net-earners, they invested their time and their content and have now either a valuable SteemPower stake or a well-filled bank account.
This is currently an issue. The economics of Steem currently are not sustainable. Maybe we are in a startup phase? Not exactly the same thing but new businesses often are run at a loss because there is projections that they will become profitable.
The take away for me was the community that is gathering around this project. I am encouraged after Steemfest that key member of the community are going to mobilise around this issue and tackle the problems but obviously if we continue as we are and the system continues to see a net outflow of money then we are in trouble.
Great to meet you and thanks for sharing your experience.