More full nodes would be a big first step in making steem more decentralised and removing what seems currently like the weakest link in the chain (pun intended).
I totally agree with your analysis, we are fortunate in the community that has been drawn to this blockchain. Real people who have a diverse range of skills, from Artists to Programmers, from Anarchists to those who believe in Basic Income for all.
From the looks of it, it seems steemit Inc is handing over management of their auto sell orders to gsr who are crypto asset manager that work across exchanges.
If done correctly, it could improve steemit inc's revenues as well as reduce volatility in the steem price by keeping more liquidity in the market. Remember, most steem is staked, so the market volume for steem is quite low.
The bear market won't last forever, I just hope stake holders will be longsighted enough to fund the developments we need rather than try and increase their stacks or game more rewards.