Many would say that those things are already being done... perhaps, right now, there are no projects or creators they feel add enough value to support. So they burn until there are. That’s a pretty simple concept.
Also, yes STEEM is inflationary, and that inflation is supposed to be decreased over time. Distribution is a main reason, as well as supporting content and projects as you said.. but maybe the increase in burn posts lately is a good sign that it’s time to decrease inflation or push some efforts to actually make this place attractive to outsiders, so they will come. I personally don’t think just handing out the inflation has been helping much.. I don’t see any projects or creators who are bringing people in, and those that are are being supported. So while we wait for more .. I guess burning is an option.
No one is trying to beat anything, it’s just a simple way to remove some of the supply when some investors don’t see enough worth supporting I guess.