So what do I do to move it forward in a most efficient fashion? Publish the idea here and ask for backing? Go to kickstarter? Privately contact Mike Hearn and/or other people of influence? Wander the streets of SF in search of angel investor?
Everything of the above...well maybe kickstarter as a last resport, that one takes a lot of time and effort, and you will need to show something there, mockups or a prototype, otherwise chances of getting and invest are pretty low.
Send out emails, pms, contact everyone you know that has some money and knows bitcoin.
If I was you, I also would post the project openly, if you are concerned of someone taking that idea, let me tell you: Everyone capable of "stealing" your idea, has his/her own ideas and projects and is not interested in taking someone elses idea.
Also a nice way to get people on board is, if you can show something, a prototype, or some mockups.