As much as I wish that STEEM was a good investment, I have some concerns but also a little encouragement. There are still some accounts that have a large proportion of Steem. On the plus side, some communities flourish and add value to the participants' lives. The threshold for financial success is lower in countries (Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Nigeria) with very robust communities. I have no idea what they are doing in the Korean communities, but they are doing well, whatever it is.

In my opinion, the best thing I have seen is found outside of Steemit. That is Steem Mart owned by @milakz. If a chain of stores accepted it as a currency, Steem would have the stability that other cryptocurrencies do not have.

Many businesses use customer loyalty points (Air Miles). Steem has the potential to fill that niche in underdeveloped countries.