Do you think it's apples to apples comparing Bitcoin transfer of value transactions to Steemit transactions which include upvotes, replies, edits, etc? On Steemle they have a chart called "Transfers Per Day" showing sub-1000/day. I'm guessing that represents a transfer of value from one Steem address to another, though it could be something else I guess.
I agree with you that looking at transactions and engagement for the social network are the right metrics to determine long term success though.
Good question -- I do. They're both a measure of frequency of engagement with the protocol. Steem happens to be a protocol that users have more opportunities to engage.