Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely: What About Steem Power?

There is a very old saying that seems to be true: "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". This tends to be true in business, politics and other social interactions where dominance is first established and then exploited.

So, I wonder how a social media site influenced by its own native power structure, Steem Power, will fare moving forward. Since weak members derive a direct benefit from promoting and sucking up to other more powerful members, determining what is authentic versus contrived friendliness and support is difficult.

It appears from my research that members with Steem Power develop a gravity of their own, which is independent of their content. This isn't to suggest that those with Steem Power are doing anything wrong. It is simply the nature of the system.

Moving forward, assuming that Steemit is a success, I wonder what negative consequences will follow. There is little doubt in my mind that those at the top of the mountain will benefit from the Steemit system. However, will there be a lasting appeal to the Minnows? When a Whale gives a thumbs-up or "Me too" the rewards flow. When a Minnow asks a question about the corrupting influence of power, will anybody care? Is this an important question? We shall see...