I still consider myself new even though I've been here since Dec... But my thinking is the rewards are too concentrated at the top for steemit to be anything huge. In order for them to be distributed more, I think the price will have to go lower or a new buyer to emerge.

I know Steemit INC seems to be primarily focused on the tech part of the platform, but feel they have seriously missed an opportunity to encourage true engagement. The ones that have survived in my class are the ones that are unique, but many many have gone. I'm hoping one day they will "hire" people like Asher through a nice delegation to get down and encourage the newbies to get involved. So far he has some help, but from very few people with much power.

I'm hoping that the smart tokens come out as another currency that will spur some stick activities here. A good example could be steem monsters. If they can give their own rewards in SM bucks for instance, I think it would make that game even more fun. (and attract even more people to the platform)

I am one that is encouraged about the SMTs, but I also recognize that they are very past due and may never actually arrive. I am not too concerned about the low quality of the fringe apps, because my thinking is that if they can attract the right people then those things fade away.

In some ways they've attracted some stars, but I hope they wake up and keep them here too! People like the top 5 here in this game. We need you to be energized and spreading the love here regularly!

Just my 2 cents :P ... I welcome any reply back for sure :D