I actully think it's easier than ever for new users to earn something now without making huge long posts and that would be via InLeo. I'll often find myself dropping new votes to new users there to get them warmed up. However the 7 day payout window I understand why it's there but it's LONG. As a new user it feels like ages before you see that first payout let alone understanding everything you should be doing once you get that first payout.
What is HBD? Do I save HBD? What's Hive power and why did I only see half the reward? Why should I build hive power? and many more questions. It's a lot to understand and learn as a new user along with waiting for that first payout.
Yeah. I wonder if lowering it would be something witnesses would agree to, maybe even lowering it further for comments.