If this is all about REAL ID, my understanding is that the requirement is that the ID be issued by a state compliant with REAL ID (or with an extension)—not that the ID itself be REAL ID-compliant. I.e., if Maine has an extension (and it did back in August, and the extension was just renewed, to expire October 10, 2018), your Maine DL will get you onto planes and into federal buildings, regardless of whether it has a gold star or not.

As that page says, "The waiver, granted Oct. 18, is valid through Oct. 10, 2018. During this period, Maine driver’s licenses and IDs will be accepted as valid identification for federal purposes, such as entrance to federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft." And https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/maine agrees: "Maine has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Maine at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 10, 2018."

So renew your US passport and passport card when it's convenient for you, and use your Maine DL if you don't have your passport card.