the fact that you don't feel like reading the other participants' equivalents makes it unsuitable as a system for me...

You are absolutely right. I have thought a lot about it but can't think of a solution. They could enforce a rule of engaging with each other but even then I would have refrained from reading something that I don't wish to. I might read others' homework, but mine drained me so much that I didn't want to read on the subject anytime soon again. I will probably read the best one at the end of the week, purely for learning purposes. If I feel the need for interaction, I will do that too. As weird as it sounds, after writing SLC post, I went looking for personal blogs to refresh my brain. Steem is boring without those. (: