The mechanism is the greatest thing about Hive but it is also the worst thing at the same time.
Yes someone who is dirt poor can join and make a few bucks. But thats all they ever will do. They will never ascend to the top ranks without the approval of those above them. The mechanism keeps those at the top firmly in place like a digital royal ruling class over looking the rest of the peasants for their entertainment. I have seen, as I am sure you have as well, this digital royal ruling class destroy many of the peasants over the years. Ones who dared to speak their own real opinions on something. They have just as much right to state an opinion or to make some money for their content as someone who has thousands of HP in their wallet. But their ability to create an income is destroyed because of their opinion.
R0nd0n comes and says: "AI will allow bad actors to come and profit from the community budget,
I would argue that it is happening now without AI. People tailor there content & posts to appeal to the whales and others with lots of HP to just get the big upvotes. They are essentially self censoring in order to this. It's essentially the same as YouTubers creating videos that will appeal to Googles advertisers.
Is their an example you can show me of a dirt poor content creator that has risen to the tops of the ranks yet? Is their someone who has as much HP as the OG users such as guiltyparties or blocktrades? Someone that has joined and climbed the wealth ladder by simply producing creative compelling content that appeals to all people. Or is there only certain people who have gotten to a somewhat wealthy & healthy place by creating content and posts that appealed to a certain small group of people who have some wealth?
Hive is not growing and has been stagnant for while. It appeals to some people because of the mechanism. But once they join and see that it doesnt allow for their personal growth they leave or are ran out by the ruling class.
If we want to save Hive it must change. If it doesnt it will never grow. Without growth it is a failure. Pure and simple. These things must be discussed and solved for it to grow. And the fact that only a select few people are willing to talk openly about these things are a testament to the fear of being on royal ruling classes virtual shit list and getting down voted. Hell just the fact that it hasnt been approached yet is a huge problem.
People will move on to the next chain that will take it's place. Why? Because Web3 is about the people and not any particular crypto currency. People want and seek Freedom. They do not seek a solidified social classification by catering to the upper class.
They wish to survive & profit as much as they yearn to do. And every one has the right to do that. Not just the ones who are already there.