in some areas, communities are already a reality. For example, we scientists group around @steemstem. Me and other new science lovers have profited extremely from this curation community, and also the quality of posts is often exceptionally high, thus raising the value of steem in general - a win-win situation for everyone involved AND not involved.
So I completely agree with you that the platform will at some point have to accept that reality and create additional features that makes it easier to grow together.