I think you are spot on in your predictions regarding the succeeding of manual curation and I think the concept of having employed curation teams is bloody genius! Personally I think the changes have displayed some really great positives all round and I believe it will only get better, like you say - once attention is given to "dusty details".
As for the downvoting side of things, I have not as yet downvoted anyone. I have generally avoided conflict here on Steem so am admittedly a little nervous to use it for fear of the repercussions toward me and the already small rewards I earn.... so I am going to have to get around that one in my head lol... But I will say it is nice to see others, like yourself who hold some serious clout - making use of it and issuing a very loud and clear statement.
That said, over all I am really looking forward to the road ahead for Steem!