Keeping up is very difficult indeed! I know you make a good effort to do so. And like me, I'm sure you enjoy the research process a lot!
I see the fact that we have trouble keeping up as a very good sign!
Now combine that with the fact that STEEM will be more difficult to 'earn' for everyone moving forward. This is a given. It was a given before I even knew about HF21. HF21 will just make this happen faster.
So, it will be harder to earn and if the price goes up it will be harder to buy with fiat.
Then the only question when buying is: will STEEM be more or less valuable then it is today?
Now research comes into play. I know that having STEEM is not about selfvoting and what you can give yourself that makes it valuable, maybe it still is a bit today, but this will change. I know you already know this.
I see STEEM as the token that powers the whole blockchain and also what is build on top of it. When this place grows everyone will need it at least a little bit of STEEM for RC's alone. And then there is only 338 million to go around.
More users will come because STEEM is growing in usability, communities, and apps.
It's a long game for sure, but I have time and Steem makes sure I am not bored in the meantime. I can build here every single day!
Sorry for going a bit off track there!