Steem beyond Steemit is definitely all important - but unfortunately quite limited.

More games and apps would be extremely beneficial in growing the platform - but it is difficult to see where they will come from with the current economics of Steem.

Very much agree...

Seeing Steem as publishing to earn is undoubtedly the least flattering path, it only brings the desire of bleed out the “SP” resources, ... But without a doubt you have to see things with another approach beyond "publish and earn."