I think the problem is that people treat the site like a job. I can waste tons of time on reddit without thinking about money and I think I write better content on that platform!
The problem is when new users look at the front page they see crypto shit, steemit not working shit and anarchists. How is this going to attract the average person? Its not. Its a catch 22. In order for steemit to be popular it needs to become popular enough to represent more interests than it currently does. People should look at the money as an added bonus.