Indeed, some has even lesser proceeds to cater the trans fee alone. Yes, I've known a friend who exchange Steem or SBD on coins directly, though it is only 2sbd/steem max per day. Still, it is very helpful.
Somehow, huge trans fees will restrain others from cashing out their earnings and invest it on SP's instead.
Yes investing in SP will be a very good call if you don't really really need the money. Especially now that price of steem is on the rise. Last time I checked 1 STEEM = 1.71 AUD = about 66PHP. Meron nang pang Jollibee