The theory for monetization is that the more connections you can create between nodes (people), and the larger the user base, the more wealth gets created. This according to Metcalfe's law.

The current problem I think with Steem is that it is just too small and not diverse enough. It is not diverse in social norms, or morals, or ways of thinking. I have seen people get censored for having the wrong views.

If communities are going to work then we cannot have whales from outside the community censoring post from within the community. If people within a certain community have controversial views which are fringe then this should be respected unless something clearly illegal is taking place.

I have my doubts that the moderators and the whales will allow communities to be independent.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalfe%27s_law