@liberosist, I admit that I’m saddened to read this because, like you, I also believe in Steem and, as a writer, am all about creative content.
In the 3 months that I’ve been here I’ve had misgivings, sure. What’s kept me has been the lifeline thrown me by curators—like Curie & Ocd—but, also, high-minded, noble individuals who value culture, art, philosophy, etc...
I remind myself the world has never been fair, nor is it easy for artists, anywhere: wrestlers and bodybuilders make millions while theatre-trained actors starve off broadway and writers, sigh, don’t get me started. 7 books into the game and still struggling to keep my head above waterline...
But, we who value quality content and human connection hang around for other reasons and, most days, we can justify it to ourselves....
I admit I don’t understand some of what you detail above (like SP rentals) but I get the general gist and hope against hope that things change.
Cheers,
Yahia