I agree, two numbers of the same sign might well be qualitatively different. However, that's not the case here. The point is that there is a structural flaw in the economic model of the Steemit platform, just the way there is a structural flaw in our conventional credit-based model of money creation.

Reducing the rate of inflation is a mere bandage on a deeper wound. The money supply should not be determined ex ante by a predefined rate, it should be determined by demand. An ideal monetary model would be one in which prices are not affected by changes in the monetary base, thus keeping inflation close to zero. How to do that technically is a question that needs to be explored. But that's the direction to follow to develop a sustainable and attractive model.

On the fact that Steemit needs revenue, I totally agree with you. At least, until Steem money becomes valuable in and by itself. I'd sum things up slightly differently actually: revenue might be the short term problem (1-2 years) while inflation might be one of the long term issues (5-10 years).

I saw that the platform also faces immediate challenges with early adopters wondering whether they should stay or leave, but that should be manageable with a clear action plan and good communication.