I think that having SMTs on layer 1 is the right direction. For many potential communities out there all they would want is their own token and the ability to vote / reward users and to transfer the token between accounts. Many may not even need the post / commenting storage aspects as they may well already have their own non-crypto forum set up.

Hive being able to provide that offering, on a free, fast, and secure basis is very powerful. Layer 1 seems the best place for it for me. Currently layer 1 Hive solutions feel both freer and faster than layer 2. We can also already illustrate the security of layer 1 through Hive's existing track record (as you point out).

Layer 2 for more complex smart contracts seems like a good idea too. But the next HF priority should be SMT roll-out and DAO funds should be pushed in that direction before (or at the same time as) any layer 2 work.