Hive is currently run by a oligarchy where the top people just sort of high-five each other, and pat each other on the back, and there seems to be a lack of critical examination of the proposals.

Sounds and looks like Steem from that perspective. Hopefully it won't turn out to be the same as what we call a wrecked ship. I totally agree with you that once Hive will be seen as a business will attract business partners and its market valuation will definitely be different. It has had a good start I would say but, on the long run I believe we should look at it from the business point of view to make it mainstream.