This actually makes more sense to me than any other theory I have heard. I am sure you recall my ravings about median payouts of late, so perhaps such data convinced someone able and wishing to do something about it to take action.
Whoever it is, is smarter than I am, as I would never have thought of this way to increase payouts, and thereby encourage retention and put upwards pressure on Steem.
Merry Christmas, indeed!
I, too, firmly believe the payouts should be moved from the median directly to the right side of the highway, on which all civilized nations drive.
Heh! I am duly humbled =p