First problem I have with that is: viewing yourself as little.
Never do that. You're you. Not big, not small. People can also keep themselves permanently "small" if that's how they see it and choose to be as well, so you can't give "small" accounts special treatment.
And it sounds more like wanting to post for pay, rather than posting for an audience that might pay you. If you're posting for an audience, you'll get an audience. It's up to the individual to attract interest in their product. Nobody else is responsible for that.
Also, I don't see how anything is up to Hive. Who is "Hive" when "Hive" is doing something wrong? It boils down to each individual and their choices. For instance, I don't represent Hive. I vote for what I like, when I see it. Certainly won't be spending time consuming content I don't like; for the same reason I don't buy Burger King. I'm not going to go out of my way to vote for someone just because they feel they're not being paid and were able to use their keyboard. And how am I even supposed to know they exist? Impossible to know everyone here. If people want to see more people getting supported, get out there and support them. It's not up to "Hive".
Completely agree with your thinking.
A new user needs to be helped to understand the dynamics of Hive which may be difficult to understand at first but should not be rewarded if he/she makes little effort because this attitude could be counterproductive..
We do have to take on the responsibility of marketing ourselves. We can also promote the work of others. It's about giving as well as taking. I am largely on here for fun, but it's nice to earn something and I've made far more than on any other platform. On Tsu it took be forever to make the minimum $100 withdrawal amount. On Hive you can take funds out whenever you want.
I think, at times when people are saying Hive is difficult; what they really mean is, new.
New challenges. New things to learn. It is not "Hive's fault" when people refuse to take on something new to them.
It can be so deflating when you know what can be accomplished, prove it with your actions, and people still refuse to believe it; even worse when they start accusing you of wrongdoings yet everyone who put in the time and effort knows cheating gets you nowhere.
Thanks for doing this post. Good stuff to read here. A lot of perspective.