I would really like an add-in that pings every time one of my favourite authors publishes a post. One that allows me to specify which authors are included. And ideally one that allows me to separate these authors between the different tags / communities that I follow (a separate sub-box for fiction authors / for bisteemit posters etc). And once it pings has a comment that says @dragosroua published a post X minutes ago. And has the amount of current post payout.
I know that's basically the "feed". But a really condensed version. Essentially allowing me to follow my favourites more closely. And pinging so I don't keep missing things! And so that I'm up there right away for comments. And which would aid with manual curation.
I can't believe it doesn't exist already. Perhaps it does?
I think the "communities" feature, developed at the blockchain level, will solve may of your problems. No ETA for that, but they're working on it.
You can use Steem Watch to track various events that http://steemwatch.com/