I'm glad you liked it @playfulfoodie!
I understand that you will use your efforts while still helping to improve Steemit, but not putting yourself up at risk. I don't vote anyone who is a large earner, unless it was a post that truly resonates with me. Like how you boycott those users, I am not afraid to flag the ones who are draining everyone, without concern, and cannot change.
I've noticed an interesting pattern with bad actors in a sense that they refuse to stop the abusive behavior when it is brought to their attention that what they are doing hurts others. I usually stay out of these topics altogether unless the user in question is someone who blantantly does not care for others and I have looked into it enough. I will voice my thoughts only, but not write a direct post about it. For now, I am joining everyone else in flagging and understand the risk of being retaliated upon.
The way I see it is like this, as long as you are doing your best to help Steemit grow and improve, then it is more than enough. I think that talking about the current issues can be good, and I like your approach because your focus is on helping, and not the money to be made from it.