The Developers are currently working on implementing Secure nodes that will accelerate the speed and anonymity of the zen network. Each node will require only 42 coins. The coins are used as a deterrent from unsavory sources that would look to abuse the network. These nodes will function similar to that of Dash Masternodes except the secure nodes will yield a return of 3.5% from transaction fees. The strongest use case for zen for now will be the ability to send fully encrypted messages via secure nodes that can be structured to go thru the tor network for added security and anonymity.
Zen has all the key factors to be a success. A passionate dev, strong and knowledgeable community, with cutting edge tech and new ideas. Being an early adopter to secure node has huge upside potential with little to lose. The success of Dash masternodes have demonstrated how successful a system like this can be. Crypto assets that create passive income are going to be huge in the future.