I really believe the solution would be RC delegations, SMTs and the removal of downvotes.

Maybe. There are a lot of "what ifs" in terms of whether this will work, including the fact that it depends on SMTs - which have been "coming soon" for a really long time now. We have also seen a lot of issues already with trying to use the RC model as a means to generate demand for STEEM. I'm not saying it can't work, but the main issue is that it makes the system really difficult for new users to use (since they don't have enough RCs). So far, I haven't come across a good use case for someone wanting to pay a whole bunch of money out of their own pocket so that the "mass adoption" users can use the system.

I urge the witnesses to think carefully about what atmosphere they want to exist on the internet, because Steem just might become that influential. I am confident that you will find mainstream media using downvotes as a new method for demonetizing contrary viewpoints. Worse than that, I suspect you will see hordes of downvote mobs rush into communities they are not involved in just to harass and demonetize them.

I'm aware of the potential risks with downvoting, and I'm not going to try and argue that there is no chance we will end up there. It is certainly a real risk.

Your views are acknowledged and appreciated. Unfortunately, I see things differently. The path that we are planning to take with HF21 is certainly a risk, but from my perspective - it is our best chance forward as well.