My guess is that the SMT infrastructure is gonna be rolled out under the beta banner and tested before launch. I also get the feeling that the launch date is likely to coincide with the end/beginning of a financial quarter. What we're seeing here is a very smart pre-launch strategy being played. What I do think is a safe bet is to keep an eye on YouTube and Terrestrial US broadcasters. When Steem announces the launch date - those two sectors will be the crucial targets, by virtue of the fact that the mainstream takes its cues from them.
What is important, I think, during the run-up and immediate aftermath of the launch is for users on the platform to show support and help guide the influx of new users on how best to interact on the platform.
A few dangers are posed by the scope of the launch, which only the community as it exists now is capable of mitigating. 1) A significant portion of new users will be trying to find a "hack" and where there's demand, folks will supply. 2) Larger, "established" content creators and corporations are going to come in and swing their phalli around which could cause all this to become just another corporate controlled game.
Investing in Steem is a good idea, but expect a bubble or two before it really stabilizes, as with bitcoin, and every emerging market, it has to weather a few storms before it can truly claim to be a place worth playing in. Pre-launch, Launch and Post-launch will be a bit of a rollercoaster, but we all need to ride it to the end if we hope to make it worth it.
This platform is the future and we are the ones to build it. With that in mind, I think it behooves (love that word) each one in turn to take some time to consider what future is actually worth building.
And that's my little rant on this piece of news.
Peace, Love and a Little Madness...