If by _elite_ you understand the typical Medium-enrolled blogger, then by all means, yes. I think Steemit _is_ the real Medium. The main differentiator is that in Steemit both parties are making money: authors as well as commenters (and even curators). So yes, I can see a future in which there is a core made of influencers, each with his own audience which is upvoting /downvoting to express approval /disapproval.