One user was creating videos and interviews here on steemit. He's from the Libertarian movement. He explained that the fighting and competitive aspect were undesirable. Another user said it was the unfair rewards that made her quit. It wasn't worth the negative cognitive load.
Others, though have stayed on. They are writers, and see Steemit as solving their problems.
Other friends who are avid facebook users tried out Steemit, but because there are few groups here, and few of their friends, they left.
Steemit definitely has attracted those interested in new things. I realized after talking with my friends who left that I have a love for experimental things, but most "normals" don't really share my passion. I've also worked for startups and I like the energy of them, so that's why I stay. Most people want a finished product that has resolved a lot of the problems. I like the guinea pig stage...but I do have very strong opinions about how things can be improved..... I see the problems of user retention, because i'm a user, not a developer.