Steem is different, it is personal.

No, it's not.
That just a preferred perspective to take. As time goes on, I would say it's a misaligned perspective.
( until there is a change, and not through technical innovations. Imo).

Historically speaking, I can't think of a community emerging before an economy emerging..
The community was a product of the economy, not the other way around.
I'm not saying your wrong, I'm saying that historical facts, would point to it being an incorrect model.
....but Romans never had the internet and crypto, and that might be a game changer.
BUT, the 20th century has also many a technical innovation - ones that changes lives, but without changing the dynamic of 'economy before community'.
(as far as i can see..)

Community is based on joint self interest. (which is how I saw steemit when I joined).
The financial model totally negates that. There is no sentiment or 'joint self interest' in money speculators.

You can have sharks in a pool , and you can farm trout in a pool, but you can't farm your trout with sharks in a pool.