I modified my behavior months ago, partially due to seeing the writing on the wall regarding this. I believe certain outcomes are more likely than not from these changes for the lower SP accounts (the majority of users still here), none outcomes I foresee as good for the average user.
I see talk now of mitigating some of it using other methods (such as Palnet), and shake my head. It seems similar to having to use Discord (as many do) to fully socialize this social site. Seems to me, at some point, if users have to build/use alternatives to supplement/circumvent shortcomings it is a sign that for the majority, they are dissatisfied with what is being offered.
You can just stay on steemit and comment as usual on Palnet / sports talk and all other 1000 different groups they will make. yeah not sure why people use the discord thingo as much as they do. seen this the other day https://neosteem.com think its for conversations regarding differnt topics to try and replace discord and be able to upvote also