I just had a chance to re-read your post @vimukti-ananda

I like how you approached this issue. After all it's all about demand vs supply.

One problem I see is that most cryptos/ICOs out there need to cover their own operating cost in fiat currency. which makes it very difficult to plan future.

If your rent it you are committed to fees every month and may need to power down and sell to meet those costs.

Best solution would be to find a way to rent hardware and pay with STEEM. The way miners are being paid with bitcoin for their "work".

it is quite amazing that people keep talking about all such techy stuff, which addresses mostly or only the Cost Price

Well, the fact is that most supply would be coming from Steemit Inc. and @ned powering down and selling their own huge reserves to cover those cost.
Higher cost = more they have to sell. And if price of STEEM is low then they are forced to flood market with cheap STEEM. So cutting cost = cutting supply. Isn't it?

about the how to increase the DEMAND!

There is only one way. Include adds on Steemit. Bring businesses and make it a bit like facebook. Perhaps even sell our data to corporations. No other way. Or at least I dont see any other way.

ps. what is your background? economy?

Again, great read.
Yours
Piotr