I completely agree. Stock photos are free for use, and great to help break up your text. Writing articles here, for me at least, involves a ton of research, and editing. References, References, References! Especially if people are writing about #science topics, or talking about facts. It'd be awesome to see more reference links, and effort over all to give your article value beyond "trending".
Yeah, I think it's fine to place sourced photos in between paragraphs of an article you're writing. At least in that case, you are creating something. And yes, references for research writings should be a must have, wherever you are posting it. It's just good practice.
I'm still new here, but I believe that is indeed the future. It's not forever people will be able to make bank with the silly shit. still, like anywhere, it's all about who you know
Some will get money for bringing a following from elsewhere. Some will get money because they are cute. Sometimes it's down to luck. The things within our control, that's what we should focus on. But as a community, we can decide what sort of conduct is acceptable or not.