Oh yeah, August of 2016! That was still super early and got to ride that initial wave (more like a tsunami). I don't think the platform saw its first real dip until after the first SteemFest in November. I remember people were legitimately panicking when the tokens took that first plunge. That was most peoples' first experience with a crypto bear market. A lot of folks quit then thinking it was all over.
Where do I see us in nine years? Hmm, that's a tough one to predict. Barring any massive cryptocurrency regulatory changes, I think the answer to that question depends on all of us. If more people realize the true value of Hive as a virtual community and not just look at it as a way to make money then it will survive for decades to come.
I had a similar start to you. I joined, then abandoned my account for a few weeks / months, then started, and never really stopped. :D
I will write a similar post on my hive-avesary, and it will be heart felt, honest, and rambling. Hive has really helped me achieve a lot.
I'm happy to hear it's worked out so well for you!