best second layer apps have a positive feedback loop with the larger Hive community. I really want to prove you wrong with regards to this just being a matter of time and circumstance and perhaps 3speak and another project or two may help me make that point in coming months.

Nothing to prove wrong really. I'm all in favor of second layer apps and IMO they have a far better chance to find the magic formula for growth than continuing to beat the dead horse of the inherently stagnant and inefficient layer one app.