Bold move to stop the sign up process when there is not really any user growth (see https://steemd.com/) - and considering the fact that a lot of the "new" users are bot accounts to vote on posts
Keep in mind folks you can still create accounts on the STEEM blockchain through this ANON STEEM service
.... steemit is only one "wallet" interface ... : https://steemit.com/steemit/@neoxian/reminder-for-new-users-wanting-to-sign-up-anonsteem