I completely agree with everything you said here and in your interview with @exyle. I think moving Steem to a utility token is the way to go. In fact, I do not see any other way long term, at least at the moment.

As far as Steemit Inc’s vision, I think they are capable of one but they dug themselves such a large hole with SMT and communities being delayed over and over (even though the reasons were worthy and necessary like MIRA) they either have not had time to think past this major hurdle or they are smart enough to keep it secret until they get SMT released. Could you imagine if they had a large post tomorrow called something like “Post-SMT Roadmap” ... they would be laughed right off the blockchain if they did that before releasing SMTs, etc. I hope they do have a vision. What has Ned been up to? I thought he was going to remain involved somewhat but then he disappeared. Maybe he will come out of the woodwork with an update on dynasty. Was that the name of his next big thing?