I don’t think “light” accounts is the solution. If new people want to use Steem they need full features, and right away. Problem has always been delayed sign up system and lack of marketing.

If account creation costs are the problem, I would suggest cost credit system. Let’s say Steemit Inc creates an account at the cost of 2 Steem. When account reaches 50 Steem Power, user will lose 2 sp which is credited back to the account creator, in this case Steemit Inc.

Additionally if account never goes active within first month, creator is credited with RC equal to one account creation.

But most importantly I think Steemit Inc should take the lead on marketing Steem and community would follow/help.