Thanks for addressing this issue, it's something that I have noticed since I started posting regularly on Steemit.
I work full time in cryptocurrencies, and I have been seriously considering making Steemit a part of my full time work, which would involve putting in a lot more hours to the platform. It is hard to make this jump at the minute because I see people making huge returns like you mentioned and feel that there is a lot of money being given to them over others. That being said, my way of combatting this is to keep on posting quality content. I put in at least two hours of research in to each post that I make, and that's on top of what I already know about the subject. I then probably put in one hour or so to formatting, then interacting etc..
I think that if everyone takes an approach where they give as much time as they can to the platform, create high quality posts and make sure to upvote high quality posts that may pass by less noticed than other people's, the community will do fine. It will not solve the problem, but it will help the community to still earn a good amount and not be as badly affected.
You got the right mindset @lukebbrn!
Thanks! Would love to chat more if you're on Steemit chat or Discord? My handles on both are @lukebrn, would really appreciate some feedback on how I am getting on!
I don't even know what you write about @lukebrn but I'll follow you because of your dedication to quality content.
Thank you @kirbyhopper, glad to hear it!