The problem with Steem is that the people posting here don't have passion behind their posts. They post information that they feel will get likes due to the value of it. Look at Facebook, people post nonsense like,"such a bad day just need to sleep." And it gets 10. Likes...Why?? Well it's simple - there is emotion behind the post.
If Steem divided their posting space by how long messages are I feel it would have much greater pull. Also if the main focus was your friends and not every other person out there it would be better..
Anyways that's just my view, let me know what you thing and we can discuss what is what :)