While I'm currently enjoying the higher liquid payouts, because SBD is high, the SP I'm getting out of posts is significantly lower. I'm in this for the long haul, not just immediate money. SBD are supposed to be a dollar, because it's how the payment algorithm is set up.
A high SBD means powering up a post is pointless, as you could get way more SP for the SBD you'd get, than what would be generated by the post, because STEEM and SBD are calculated separately at payout.
That is a very good point! I am also in it for the long haul. But from the online chatter, I think most people signing up in the last few months, are doing so for more immediate rewards - while they appreciate the increase in Steem Power little though it might be.
In any case until SP goes up significantly, it does not have an big impact on curation rewards or the ability to get noticed. On the other hand, someone who is not interested in using the cash can always turn the SBD into Steem and use it as Steem Power.