I agree with you about user retention, it really needs more work. While we have plenty of communities like @welcomewagon working to help and support new accounts, and #SteemitRamble run by @shadowspub giving accounts of all sizes the voice to speak up and share the work they are creating - it is so easy for many to come here, find nobody pays any attention to them and just leave when often they could have contributed so much.
I have heard the arguments before that big investors do not care for "Blog content", but the biggest attraction this platform will create is volume of user accounts - the biggest wallets are advertisers looking for a captive audience - when Steemit holds a substantial active User base the true potential it holds will be finally revealed.
All those people who are struggling should find each other and support each other as they grow!