The interesting thing, is that if you can use steemit, you could also use bitshares for trading tokens.
They both have keys, usernames, a block explorer, vests, are based on graphene as its core. You're right, bitshares is worth looking into (I already have) but would be interesting for @steemityourway to take a look. My guess is that it could be less than 5 hours to figure out how to get an account and start trading on Bitshares.
You can get a free account with my referral link here:
https://bitshares.openledger.info/?r=intelliguy-bts
(I recommend the wallet model and using the Bitshares Lite wallet which you can download to your computer)
Or since onceuponatime mentioned it first, use his referral link:
https://bitshares.openledger.info/?r=onceuponatime