I guess it's a human reaction based upon a couple of elements.
I have plenty of examples of people, friends / family / colleagues who can't admit when they are wrong. It could be about something small or a rather important decision which was made. No, they go offensive and try to find arguments, why their bad decision was effectively good. Do I do this as well? I try to admit when I am wrong. Although, I'll usually share my perspective as why I took a certain decision. But I am a person who can say: I was wrong. For me it's rather a positive element than all these people who never make bad decisions... Although, I still have to grow further on it.
Being happy with what you have, it's a theme which is bespoken an infinite times. Everyone agrees that it's important. Though only a smaller amount of people really believe it when they make such a statement. This is definitely something I live according to 100%. I am quite lucky, was able to study, got a good job, got friends, got hobbies, plenty of possibilities, etc. Maybe it's easier to say in such a situation: I AM happy with what I got. That could definitely be true. Although I believe it's merely about perspective. It's something typical human, always being jealous about things you don't have. By chanche, I saw this cartoon today. Guess it describes it well:
About the 'time-element', is it now worse than in the past?
I don't know about Hive in particular, in general life, I would say it's something of all times. Ancient Rome wasn't happy with their empire neither. They wanted it bigger and bigger..
I guess people should think about above mentioned 'principles' and there are plenty others influencing the behavior as well. If I compare myself to you, I definitely receive less upvotes but that's more than logically. You are on the platform way longer than I am. You are way more active as well and you actually build projects. It's more than normal in my opinion that you receive higher upvotes. Instead of complaining, people should use that time to improve their Hive 'strategy'...
Didn't want to pollute your article with such a long comment, but I guess it's the beauty of Hive that we can engage this way! :D
Ps: Great write-up, tackling a hot topic of all times!