Its not easy to focus on the business challenges and the software development at the same time especially in such a community  where there are lots  of people whose lively hood is from STEEM. So personally I would say, understanding is a good starting point and this can be the beginning of a new era. By adapting a model similar to Wikipedia and true to FOSS principles, IMHO this project can set standards in the blockchain software development.

> including real adherence to Agile development

Agile, yes -- but need "Test Driven Agile Development". This is the **ONLY** shortfall and everything else will fall in place auto-magically.

Few points:

- Lets make sure that every commit is tested on the TESTNET (blackbox)
- if possible write white box testing can be introduced
- start using CI - CD

Your biggest strength is an incredible community & wishing STEEM  all the best!

That is good will from you @ned! However, having a formal process requires more than just good will. I've been involved on a CMMI level 3 certification about 6 years ago, it was way too boring back then, but it brought the ability to scale. Not an easy process btw, we had to make hard decisions and to deal with key people leaving the company, but things stabilized over time. So, you had the guts to let HF20 go, how about letting your company to formalize with working industry standards?