The value isn't in the token, it's in the community. I hope that post helps clarify some things a bit.

As to this point:

At the same time those users seem to be afraid to speak out (myself included) in fear that we will become targetted and downvoted for expressing our thoughts.

I have raised this issue as well. It's unfortunate that some here on Steem have no concern for cussing others out, attacking them personally, or flagging / spamming them because I do think it has a silencing effect. I don't know of a solution to this other than communities where guidelines for participation can be clear and those who don't want to follow them are excluded. I hope that everyone is free to express their views and they will be respected, even when people disagree.