I power up regularly now. It certainly makes a difference, even if when I upvote and it only pays the author 1 cent, it's something more than nothing.
As for NSFW content, I think there are avenues being created so that people seeking to create or consume that material can do so without disrupting the rest of Steemit.
And I think the future of the platform is in finding value, but allowing everyday people to come onboard and network with each other.
Like the meetings we have. Different lives, different background and viewpoints but in the same location.