I think that Steemit's at a point where a lack of comments is to be expected so thanks to you and @chriddi for taking the time to reply.

Using the right column for promoted posts is an interesting idea and one that should be seriously considered. In the article view, I'd like to move the author details there (which is what I think Medium do) to give them more prominence. Similarly, the opportunity to browse that user's other content.

We'll have to wait and see what the next 5 months brings - the project isn't currently being funded and I have an opportunity in the real world coming up that I can commit more time to now than I'd initially expected.