Chance processes were built into the Steem cake from its creation. Investors and early participants whether intentional or not, hit the sweet spot of chance built into the social construct at a particular time. To say that the platform isn't 'such and such' for rich people, appears to be a problem in logic.
The construct of 'whales' wouldn't be inherent to the system. Is there a problem in advertising or is it something else? There is a misconception of expectations somewhere.
Lots of moving parts, for sure.