Wow, @fulltimegeek, you have given me a lot to think about! First, this little plankton in the big pond of steemit is very humbled and grateful that you took notice. I have been so busy curating that I have not been able to post the kind of content that I want to. You are absolutely right when you say curating is hard work, but it is also gratifying.

You do realize that you have made a life long friend of this beaver? And because of your most generous gift to me, I in turn have made new long term friends across the globe! It is the most awesome gift of all.

It is better to give than to receive. What ever you give, returns to you ten fold. So if you offer friendship, guidance and knowledge, you will receive in kind 10 fold. I came to steemit, not to make boodles of money. I came to learn. To share. To give. Make awesome friends along the way. If you come here expecting massive bucks in the first month, then you are barking up the wrong tree.

Unlike you, I am not a mathematician, or a techie, or statistician. I don't do reports, grafts and analysis. I just write, take a few photos, share what little knowledge I have gained through life experience and curate. Nothing special.

I can't imagine you as a big bad ogre, flagging the spammers into oblivion even if they deserve it. But you are right that with great power comes great responsibility. And absolute power corrupts absolutely. Kudos to you for recognising this. So many don't.

It does level the playing field. I do know some newbies who do feel slighted when they get one or no votes. It is frustrating and disheartening. But they haven't learned yet, that they need to engage, read others posts, comment and upvote in order to gain some recognition.

I think I can understand that you have a little less pressure now that you don't have the steam power. But you should still give the best that you can be. That goes for all of us. Put the effort into what you do. It shows.