I think the best we can do with distribution is to get back half of what’s given out under a minimum amount of work, curation. I’d argue that it’s the only other mode of distribution. Any other setup would collapse into a mode that doesn’t promote distribution.

Assuming that 6-degrees of connection (from the study of six degrees of separation) is enough to reach the depths of any social network, the end of the line would be receiving 50%x50%x50%x50%x50%x50%= 1.5625% from the top player. A simplistic view without social mobility and all that, but just this consideration is already pretty good if contrasted with the distribution that happens anywhere else. But of course, Steem ain’t there yet with the current misaligned economy.