SMTs being introduced into the ecosystem was supposed to be the gamechanger, and most of us (community builders) have used that as a soft landing to pitch Steemit/Steem to the world. 
I believe that a foundation as to how this will work will be the best thing we can get from the team so the communities involved can pick it up from where they can just as it is obtained in other Blockchains. 

A framework and working code of the SMT released to the public will go a long way to improve things. 

I am sure before the layoffs, there already are lines of codes in place for the SMTs even if it has been halted. Get the developers to complete and release same and interested individuals and communities will build on it. 

Steem is a Blockchain and is separate from and will continue to exist after Steemit.com so please make it work that way. Lead the way with the creation of a token system.