I think it's a smart post. Agree with many things.
crypto is stygma
It is. But there are also many people who want to join crypto but don't know how. Hive can be this, for people who are saying, "So many years, I want to learn crypto and start being part of this, but never could find the way". Signing up for Snapie app, for example, and posting "tweets" can be a thing for them - they get their first crypto wallet and earn first tokens. Not about getting rich soon but to acquire the identity of someone who is part of the big historical change.
This audience is the best. Experienced crypto guys are normally mercenaries (good word you found). Non-coiners believe crypto is cheating. But wanna-be-Web3-guys are the best. Many Hivers came to Hive from non-coinerhood :D
other languages
Non-English "chats" will help as well. There are many wanna-be-web3-guys who just can't speak English well enough.
niche
Developed niche communities can help with onboarding. Reddit has developed niche communities. And even there some people feel "Reddit street photography community sucks. But where to go?"
contests
Hive has this advantage - the wallet system, with them creating contests is easy. Beginning photographers love the idea of winning a contest - weekly, monthly, yearly. It alone can make an app with millions of users. How to compete with IG? No need. People can have IG and be part of Hive contest app.
So... there are many ways and no need to always think about fighting against major social media - better to start with smaller steps.