from all I have read DCR is a very sound project with very good underlying fundamentals and a good schedule for improvements
so what it really needs is the exposure - marketing etc
probably the best exposure is when it is listed on exchanges because then people notice it and start to research it.
I also think a DCR/USD cross on an exchange will allow it to expand
Devs have already addressed this. This project isn't the kind that boasts or makes promises on future developments. All the best improvements to the code base were done or nearly completed before "public" announcements came (unless you follow the github, then you're always in the know

). I don't think current market price is a real concern to all those really invested in the project. Like many others, I'd prefer to keep marketing efforts to a minimum. Let the tech improve. Let's get LN running. Smart Contracts. Enhanced privacy solution (stoked to watch this unfold).
Unfortunately this is the attitude of the Decred project as you described... And this is the reason why investors stopped waiting and moving away.
Marketing and PR are at least as important as the tech itself...