One thing to consider though, is that Bitshares isn't really positioning itself as an alternate currency, like other altcoins. It could provide that service, but it just isn't taking that approach right now it seems. Bitcoin, for example, is basically marketed as the new "money" of the Internet. I don't know if BTS is really seeking to compete in that space. Of course, it could turn out that it does become one of several preferred “currencies” to make transactions online. But it will take time before people understand what else Bitshares is capable of.
Now if say Bono from U2, or another well-known band, came out and said that anyone who buys into the new U2 single can share in the profits, then there would a lot of interest. Is Bitshares laying the groundwork for those opportunities? That seems quite a while down the road. And even then, something like that wouldn't necessarily elevate the valuation of BTS, correct? But the asset that is being used (the new single).
As I understand it, BTS is more of a neutral baseline from which to launch other assets. And perhaps we wouldn’t want that baseline to have a huge valuation ($100 per share, etc) because that may prevent everyday users from participating in the exchange.
I look at something like Scottrade, which has a commission of around $7 a trade. I wonder if something like BTS can follow an online brokerage model, and essentially the 'fee' becomes the exchange rate before an asset is "purchased?" (BitUSD, etc.) Even then, it is the underlining asset that would be the investment play. So in the case of the the new single, BitU2single, would be what investors would be interested in. Maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way?