It doesn't have to be a zero some game of 1 or the other, its said steem would need around 2mil to run per year and if an investor came in with say a series A of 12-15 mil and said hey here's your operating expenses for the next 5 years sorted go and make things happen! I think its still viable, the investor doesnt need to take stake in the coin, they investing in steemit inc

We are left to our own while steemit inc looks to create revenue channels to remain sustainable and return the investment. Steemit inc isn't steemit!