If I am being honest with myself, and everyone here, I first started Steemit for the extra cash. And that's still true to point but it is also true that some of the blogs I post I do so because I genuinely want to add value to the steem block chain and to the members who might read my post. Now if my post do add value of not is up to the consumer.
Most people had some desire to monetize their activity when they came to Steemit. Otherwise, why not just use Facebook? Yet many are dishonest about these motivations because they want to portray themselves as above such "base motives." In fact, what is there to be ashamed of in the desire to be rewarded for one's investment of time, energy, and money?
I agree with you that it is quite exciting to know that all the contents of our interactions here will be preserved forever. No one can delete the STEEM blockchain, which might seem trivial to those that are not early adopters. However most of us that are active here know how revolutionary something so simple-sounding is.
There is nothing wrong with earning, money/value is a tool. Some collect a toolset to display, some use their tools to build empires or huts in the forest. In my opinion, although not guaranteed, there is no problem working hoping for reward and there is no shame to be rewarded for real efforts.