You articulated this subject better than I could.

You are a good-willed honest person. So was Dan Larimer when he envisioned and created steem.

have come around to the idea that we need to make downvotes a regular and accepted part of the platform, if we want to be able to combat abuse and effectively distribute rewards.

...just like Dan expected. There would more of a good will to self-preserve the platform by good natured people who had a VESTED interest in the success of the platform, it was also to be self-curating. It was a circular healthy prospect.

Until...

Some unnamed individuals pushed him away, and the organic growth got stifled. Which none of that actually matters today for a single reason... most being:

The STEEM blockchain is the first of its kind. I does (at its best) give freedom of speech, open opportunity to both old and new users alike.

It is through discussion and debate that we arrive at a consensus for the best path forward.

Absolutely. AGREED.

We just need to realize it so we can all benefit.