I don't think the Steemit community will stick it's head in the sand when it comes to competitors. I'm definitely invested in this platform yet have one eye open on what's happening in the space generally. We all should. To be in a silo is to quickly become irrelevant.
From what I've seen so far the Steemit team and community have been quick to respond to challenges and suggested improvements. I believe "we" will respond positively to competition. In fact a 'rising tide lifts all boats' (as the saying goes). I can see both platforms feeding off each other and growing, if Synereo is up to the task.
I hope so :). i am not against competition and i even advocate it.
I really like Steemits society growth so far and it would be nice to see its community handling competition in a positive way.