"Steem is not one thing"

Yes. The more things Steem becomes the better. I love how those things are multiplying.

I suspect Steemmonsters will be one of the big ones, just because most geeks tend to be both early adopters (owning Steem when most people haven't even heard of it) and collectors (collecting things gives people a feeling of empowerment, achievement and security in a constantly changing world), and Steemmonsters scores a bullseye of catering to both instincts.

As to your brother, if he doesn't actually want to play the game, hoarding cards other people desperately want, for the sake of "investment," might not be a good look. :)