yeah, i kinda feel you... for as much that was cleaned up and rearranged after the whole steem/steemit debacle, there is still the sense that the big dogs(whales) kind of circle around and boost each other and it's difficult for noobs to rise or even sign up. there should be thousands signing up daily after the crazy hive rise, but it's like the doors are still closed.
also it's not clear how people from around the world are supposed to participate and communicate... i guess there is the communities idea, as vague as it is.
i must be a romantic instead of a realist... i'm still hanging around hoping things improve (-: peace