Interesting idea, I'm not sure it solves the core problem however.
"handouts" from tips or whales will not grow the base number of steemians.

Flip the rewards pool so authors get 20% and the "audience" share 80% (or even 10/90) and you will have a winning formula IMHO.

Authors will earn via "volume" and each "stage performer" (good quality posts also) will have an audience. (instead of current model where everyone is expected to perform - large % crap posts)

Have you been to a theater? more in audience than on stage?
Each "star" has many many followers ie a huge base.....
Does that make sense?

ie share 80% rewards pool with commenters / viewers & steem will grow HUGE...... IMHO :-)