From someone who knows everything about nothing and nothing about everything. I will tell you straight up the 16 is most likely of the 2, 1st reason humanity, there are so many that should hold an interest in this happening that a small loss now by a re distribution of vote could provide the growth to the platform that is needed to push this to happen.
The more people who have the vote value of the threshold means more users can be rewarded and encouraged to stay on the platform.
Sharing those big boy votes out can work to be of greater benefit to their finances then directing them toward already high rewarded content. Too much focus is set on the now by the need from plankton and the ability by whales at opposing ends of the scale in many cases. Altering the distribution of vote and reward of them in some voluntary ways could vastly increase membership and the ability to grow these new members. ok that went a bit off topic maybe.

then also you have to consider in general will the price of crypto increase? I think so, Bitcoin will regain its feet and grow some more. growth in other currencies might also influence the growth of bitcoin.
The wider knowledge of Crypto being ever more accessible to everyone Such as posts on Steemit and other platforms, the media coverage. this all leads to a higher price. Each new user to the platform too also increases the scarcity of Steemit and will increase the value, Getting more in is the easy part keeping them here is where the work comes in.

It may not hit $16 but it will rise