There will be centralized apps on Hive. On all blockchains there will be side chains and even private apps. Only the good will survive. But as you said the backbone should be decentralized and I hope Hive will be a major part in this revolution.
The hidden fight against Hive is encouraging. When Twitter and FB lower rating to links to Hive, you know something good is happening.
I had doubts when Steem bid bot parties felt fake and wrong. But the story with Hive is a wonderful turn around.