There's not much we can do about whales supporting their friends. It's how Steemit was designed to work. I hope a growth in users will dilute their power in the long run. It doesn't turn me off.
What turns me off is negativity. We have something great here with amazing possibilities to change the world. We early adopters can help to Make Steemit Great (not again as it's the first time). Should I get a hat made?
Trolling here is indeed worse than youtube due to the monetary values involved. Some people want riches the lazy way ... and when it doesn't happen they get ill-tempered!