but I don't think it will catch up to what it was before since new posts will be created which are also taking rewards.
Keep in mind that every day the same amount of Steem is minted. After 7 days you have 7* amount per day to be distributed over 7*daily posts/comments, so netto effect should be that posts value of posts done with pending payout will get same value as they had before HF17/18 upgrade. Apparently the calculations are now done on 30days, hence normal should be then after 30 days, hence the 3% (not exactly, since my interpretation is 1/30 = 3,3333333% @abit mentioned in his post (https://steemit.com/witness-category/@abit/abit-witness-upgraded-to-0-18-1), that is my logic.
Anyway, will ask further clarification to @abit.