RE: Is Proof of Stake the main issue behind Steem?
well yeah, I agree in the sense that you try to do the right thing (though I'm not going to pretend I never use bots), and try to build your stake in the way that really represents the opportunity that Steem provides us, but the issue is that for 99 people that try do it the right way, there's that 1 guy that can just pump in $100k and use that stake to guarantee themselves a return in the "non-community centric" way.
Also the other thing I don't like is that you could be here for 10 years, build yourself a massive stake organically, but then one day you power down because you need the money, and then your stake is worthless and you start from scratch again. Of course, it's a decision we all have to make every day - keep the stake or cash it in.
Regardless, I'm still here, and I still put time and effort in Steem because I still do think it's worthwhile.
And I'm certainly not one to advocate a centralised authority of any sort - though I do believe the framework needs to act as an authority in itself and it needs to be tightened to the extent that it doesn't promote spam/bots/misuse, whilst at the same time not stymieing progressive and quality content creators. It'll likely be an ever evolving process with forever shifting goal posts.
Yah I read my post again and it came off as preachy rather than positive.
Imagine what it will do to the value of STEEM for the rest of us when we attract that outside FIAT investment. All the minnows stakes will go up as well as the larger folks.
You can't fault people for cashing out on their hard work to buy some lifestyle.....that is why I am here.
I guess the focus should be put now on helping police the abuse, and what you will do with your influence when it is big enough.
I will definitely find and feed the minnows kinda like this @gentlebot comment upvoter who shows up from time to time and rewards good comments. I have no idea where it comes from but I feel inspired when it happens to pay it forward in some way. Just an example.
Your sentiment is reflected in MANY of the conversations I see and participate in. People are getting vocal and we will mobilize ourselves here to find and solve the problems.