Thanks @ned - really appreciate the post, and the timing was perfect.
Personally, after researching a whole bunch of crypto projects, I plonked for Steem because I can see its massive potential. As a result, I've now invested a huge amount of my time and money into the Steem project (which I don't have a lot of at this stage - but I'm working on that, and hopefully you guys will be helping me soon to address that particular issue :-)).
The Steemit platform is a central pivot for our website, and it is really appreciated and highly reassuring to hear that Steemit development hasn't taken a back seat. And reassuring also to hear about the Steem blockchain team expansion. Onwards and upwards! Thanks...!