I agree on the fact that the true loss would be for Steem to not reach its full potential.
In the same way that you personally have had to find ways to add commercial value for sustenance, this network will succeed more if we find ways to add commercial value. I am thinking more along the lines on products and services that make life easier for others (save time).
I think the products and services will come through SMTs as they can configure to suit use case and user base, whereas Steem is set the same for all. Owned communities can mean centralised control, something needed so that a business can build and operate for a product.