Well, I've been on steem since 2017-08-08, and only participated in SBI for a little time; I've tried Minnowbooster for some time too. But you are right, SBI is still a kind of vote-buying and a part of me feels not-so-good about it. On the other hand, it is easy to frown upon projects like these when you have lots of Power.
With much Power, you grow faster -- even your own votes on others give you a nice amount of power! But when you are struggling with 1000 power or lower, the journey seems so long that any shortcut is needed. I know it may seem inappropriate, but who can make plans involving cents & pennies for a period of several years?
but we have an opportunity to act.
I'd like to know how we can break the circle-of-jerking between the whales? Is it something I can be part of too, or is a high voting-power needed?
I started in 2016 and earned most of my Steem/Hive. I may get to orca as I sell off my Steem.
Just talking about these things can have an impact if you reach the right people. I have been part of anti-abuse efforts for ages and we got the support of some whales to deal with people milking the platform, including some of the big ones. There are people behind each account and they can respond to persuasion. But then sometimes they just flag you. I just can't do nothing.