There are a huge number of different ways to engage with the platform, and a ton of emerging communities. MSP is a perfect example of that. But witnessing does require a significant effort on the part of the person running the node. I have enough technical knowledge to understand the broadstrokes, but even I question whether that's enough.
Witnesses serve a vital function in the Steem ecosystem, but it's not simple, easy, or cheap.
Thanks yall, i'll get it down, just need more time!