Thanks for taking the time to write this answer Mark,
I would like to clarify few points that seem not clear. First and foremost, I use the word 'may' on purpose. If I had to rephrase I would say: "Do we really need the abstract programmable layer that Ethereum offers to build decentralised blockchain applications?".
The quality of the Steemit project tends to make me think that it is not necessary: If a small team achieves a project like Steemit, I'm ready to bet that we will see other teams building astounding blockchain app that will have real impact on our society without using Ethereum. My thesis is nothing more than that.
I do not prejudge the quality and the goal of Ethereum, this project is great, its community is far more developed than the steemit community and I am sure we will see valuable dApps emerging from Ethereum. My point once again, is that it is not the only way, and Steemit proves it.
Concerning Steemit. Appearances are deceptive. Steemit is a social network, ok, but the steem blockchain can and will certainly evolve particularly around Steem backed dollars. In other words we are going to see other applications on the Steem blockchain (if of course, this project scales)
Thank you for your reply. I didn't want to underestimate or belittle Steemit in my last paragraph. It was meant that by limiting (or probably better wording would be focusing) itself into one chosen field, the platform limits possible problems, bugs etc. Will be great to see Steemit evolve, grow and move to other fields, however I see it as a great tactic to start small as a social network with rewards management and payment processing, master the filed, gain critical mass of supporters, and then move into something else. Added benefit being that by the time Steem get there, it will have plenty of time to tune the code.