Heya @creatr,
I think you are spot on in that the more people think and then actually do exchange Steem for things in the real world, the more it ties something that for many is very "esoteric" (I know just ask my wife!) when it comes to crypto-currencies of all kinds. At least Steem has a "Steemit" that can be pointed to as something that is actually being "done" with it which gives it some competitive advantage to my mind, BUT since Steemit is still something in the digital realm it too is hard to trust in the same way that I can "trust" the cup of coffee in my hand or your collodial silver machine that has a physical presence... it's "real."
Once though a person gets something "real" in exchange for something that previously felt esoteric... I cannot help but think that this is a grounding force in which people begin to see how it is a "token" can actually become a thing of real value. Until that exchange, it may be beleived or even thought but it is hypothetical yet... as soon as the exchange takes place it seems to become a bit more real. With each successive transaction for "real thing" or "real effort" or "real resource" it becomes increasingly real over time. It is a good time in crypto-lands (and I say that even now in the midst of the bloodbath going on in crypto-currencies).
Great insight and thank you!
@genxrev