Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

I think that you'd have to eliminate the reward for early voters and also the super-linear rewards curve.

Yes, most likely as it otherwise creates a bigger problem as you mentioned.

And so, we wind up with a blockchain full of (even more) self-voted SPAM.

Yes, some people will likely do that, you just can't tackle everything but the goal is to make it better as it is. Spam does not get rewarded by the gross of the users and I may hope the most that are still here want a long-time income from this and see the benefits of doing good for the platform. Eventually, even the spam minded people benefit from a thriving ecosystem and a high STEEM price. :)

It is a complex matter, as solving one problem brings another. But we just got to figure out if it is better to have the Steem flow in 1 direction or distribute it more evenly.

Yeah my intention above all is to create awareness and get the juices flowing. Also to get more insight and knowledge as I do not have all the solutions, I only know my intentions ;)