I posit that Steemit will NEVER attract a mass audience unless SMTs are implemented (and reasonably soon) or DApps catch fire with a new wave of mass contributors. SMTs will be huge for Steem/Steemit. The ability to build derivative tokens, to monetize in a way directly related to Steem, and to create an ecosystem where Steem is a more versatile, useful cryptocurrency is a clear path toward a higher price for Steem and a greater amount of users for the Steem Blockchain. It additionally will give more incentive for people to stay, as it will allow them to create whatever they can envision on Steem and to build far beyond what was previously possible. We will see new DApps that aren't just Steem DApps, but are SMT DApps that utilize both Steem/SBD AND whatever SMT is created by the team or used by the team. I think we may see new types of tokens and new ways of utilizing cryptocurrencies for crowdfunding, transacting, monetizing, and growing new and innovative projects.
DApps in general, as well, can save Steemit/Steem. The reason they're so great is because they allow you to implement the Steem Voting Model, but in a way that isn't as stale, saturated, or ancient as blogging. Blogging is great and has its place, but it is comparatively antique to Video Content Publishing, Live Streaming, and yet-to-be-seen forms of media that can be monetized. The main DApps that can become the biggest thing since sliced YouTube are DTube, DLive, and a new game on the Steem Blockchain called Steem Monsters. The first two are no brainers, as a new way of monetizing video content is going to be a future mainstay in the blockchain environment. Steem Monsters is a great idea too because it is creating a more permanent, potentially valuable way to buy and record transactions about 'Trading Cards' (eCards really), an evolution above what you see in popular video games. The reason Steem Monsters has such potential is because they're tapping into a readily available, HUGE audience that LOVES collecting and spending money/investing money in the potential for great cards/an advantage in a Trading Card Game. Imo, it will need to create a better 'scarcity' effect in order for the cards to have real huge value, but it is a great idea and they are growing rapidly and taking great initiative in scaling and speeding up the process.
The last thing that I think can boost Steem/Steemit is if businesses begin to put some money into it as an investment and a way to get return on their educational/informational efforts, as well as marketing. SMTs will make this seamless, far more brandable, and potentially more lucrative for them, but even prior to that Companies can and I think should start to build their Steemit Profile and their Steem Power. A company with great Steem Power will have a place in the public eye come SMT time and they'll have a firm foothold for growth at that point as well. I'm hoping to see SMTs soon, but I am going to keep buying Steem/Steem Power as we await them, because as I've said for the last year or so, anything under $5 is an absolute STEAL! It will hit $5 again and I think it will hit MUCH MUCH higher. There is no way that it won't if SMTs hit the market and are successful (which was my condition for that theory). Money will pool in once SMTs hit the scene and additional developers will begin to build on the Steem Blockchain, developer adoption being a huge part of what makes any new technology grow fast and it has been seen with other Blockchains to be a catalyst for growth. Here's to a quick and effective SMT implementation coming to us! Hodl Strong and Steem On! :)
AS ALWAYS, WISHES OF WEALTH AND HEALTH FOR ALL! :)