I don't know what Steemit Inc. plans to do for signup options. They are giving away money (minimum 10 Steem to open an account) so they have to be careful to protect against abuse.

I'll offer another signup option here for bitcointalk forum members:

If I know you and have interacted with you: free

Hero/Legendary: free
Sr.: 1 USD
Full: 2 USD

Any: 5 USD

Payment in advance and can be made in any top 10 crypto.

You will receive a new account with up to 10 powered up Steem. Powered up Steem gives you access to the network (bandwidth), voting power, and earns interest. It can't be powered down (converted to liquid Steem that can be traded on an exchange) until you reach 10x the minimum account balance (currently 10 Steem). Powering down, when possible, is 1/104 of the balance per week.

PM me to get your account.

Steemit link