One final point: Steem-Engine isn't the alternative to Steem but, rather, to Ethereum.

Yeah, I agree with you.
Seems like this day, even it's getting closer to HF21, lots of people still don't get it. The doubts about how SMT and Steem-Engine will collide and the future of Steem after Steemit bad names and token prize dumping, all seems to mixed up into deadly bitter pills.

These boys need to grow up, and understand that todays crypto space is different compared to 2017 euphoria. Soon, (quoting CZ's tweet) alt seasons will be back, and alts will compete not with hypes and gimmicks like it did in 2017, but with working products.

Steem has lots of thriving Tribes, dApps, games and engaging community!

Cheers 🍻