The challenge is that so many things go downhill once they become successful enough for real money to be involved.

Look at the gaming industry as an example. We absolutely have smaller indie-type studios making great games, but who are the behemoth money earners? EA. Sony. Capcom. Once in a while the big publishers will excrete a rare gem (The Last of Us), but mostly (if arguably) their titles become more and more homogenized, group-think, publish by committee affairs.

I'd consider a primary risk if Steemit grows more successful, is that one of the huge tech giants like Google will try to buy it. If that happens, more than likely the same actions will take place as what's been happening with Youtube. Hopefully these concerns are years away, and will not come to pass.