You're completely right about being dependent, but I think many are so lazy and don't have the gumption to get up and actively participate in their lives. Entitlement is a curse. People can be quite short-sighted I think.
Also note how much money goes back into production value which in turn makes the product and platform itself more attractive to more people.
Yep, and here on Hive it's (basically) as easy as posting and commenting with passion, personality and a little effort. It starts with little steps (as you point out with the YT example) and builds momentum from there. But on Hive...people post shit and just hope for a whale vote or for votes from someone with stake...all the while planning to take it all out...well, no more votes from me, that's for sure.
I'm not altogether sure my little post here will have any effect on those takers, they're not often the sorts to even read the posts of others, but my lack of votes on accounts like that will have an effect on their revenue. In my head, people with stake are seeking this, thinking of changing their habits as well, and if that was to be the case the additional voting on accounts staking (and doing other positive things) and the lack of voting on those that do not may start to lean people towards the right path. Who knows huh?