Regarding the marketing, I will pose the question - do we want to be doing a big recruitment push right now while the site is not ready? Really all we are looking for right now is more "beta testers".

You should check out this video. I think it is a good explanation of why things are the way they are right now.
Why The STEEM Bubble Was an Investment Round and Not a Product Launch

Also, as far as where Steemit goes at the moment, this post should at least help: Steemit.com Development Updates

Hope this helps :)