If for some reason at some point Steem does end up being forked into a new blockchain I think it would be a good idea to call it something other than Steem. First, the name "Steem" is too easily confused with the game platform "Steam" and makes marketing less effective. Second, especially with the current situation, people outside of Steem may be less inclined to take a look at the new chain if it has a similar name. It may be easier to build interest in a new project with a completely new name.