I am new to Steem so I when I look at the charts I am more impressed by the fact that it can actually handle such a volume rather than whether they are monetary. :D
On the flip side, one could argue that most of the Steem transactions are actual human social interactions (posts, votes and comments) rather than bots or day traders trading mindlessly. The network effect and how well it will entrench into the people's lives will ultimately guarantee a system's success.
It really do depends on what you value more in life. :D