This is a question that is going to be increasingly difficult to answer.
The pending introduction of the SMT protocol is really going to change things on the Steem blockchain. We are already witnessing many applications "paying out" native tokens which is a wonderful thing for Steemians. This is going to cause many to have to evaluate the situation in a short period of time.
We are already seeing some applications offering the choice between STEEM and their native token.
One of the biggest advantages to the Steem blockchain as it pertains to coin creation is the fact that all SMT created tokens are paired with STEEM. This means instant liquidity and a path for people to turn SMTs into STEEM (or some other cryptocurrency).
I think many have the idea of doing just this when these tokens hit the open market after the internal exchange is set up. On the surface, this is a great way to power up one's STEEM account.
However, is this the best move? Only time will tell and it will be upon an individual basis. Yet, we should keep in mind that one will have a decision to make: STEEM or the SMT???
We see what some of these projects are doing. The reach of some of them can be enormous. Steem is turning into an application factory with all the development we are seeing. Someone mentioned there are over 500 projects in the works. I do not know the validity of this claim but it would not surprise me.
Naturally, not all projects will work out. There are going to be failures. Tokens will end up worthless. We all know this. However, there are going to be many that will be screaming successes. Those tokens could be very valuable down the road.
So what do you do at this point? Do you opt for the Actifit payout in STEEM/SBD or in AFIT? Again, this is an individual choice that has no clear answer. There are people who are doing both out there. Nevertheless, it does emphasize something we must start considering.
What is going to be more valuable in the future: STEEM or a particular SMT???
For the moment, I am acquiring all the different coins that I can on this blockchain. I really cannot tell anyone which projects will succeed versus which ones will not. My preference is to watch the development to see what is taking place and how applications are changing. I tend to focus upon the trio of 
Speaking of a changing application, there was a post today by
As per SMT white paper, once dlike SMTs are launched, each of the category will have its own sub-tokens totally owned and run by the community owners
https://busy.org/@dlike/why-you-should-delegate-to-dlike-and-future-dlike-updates
Of course, for those who are participating and active in a particular community, the tokens will be one's currency of choice. This will allow for rewarding of content, upvoting, and an assortment of other payments that I am sure haven't been thought of yet.
For my entire tenure on the Steem blockchain, STEEM was the token everyone was seeking. Powering up is what gave one stake in the blockchain while enhancing the standing. This could be changing. While it will still be the case for the blockchain, as the applications spread people out based upon interests, many will not care about the blockchain. To them, it is all about the application. Increasing one's standing/holdings on the platform for the application is where many will focus.
It will be interesting to see how people handle this going forward. Will many convert their SMT tokens to STEEM or will they want to power up at the application level?
If you found this article informative, please give an upvote and resteem.
None of this is financial advice. It is just an article to make you think about some things. You draw your own conclusions.