regarding the white paper, if you're gonna read it, make sure you read the updated version, although be aware that it's still a bit "out of date" as well, as there have been many changes and adjustments to the model along the way:
Link: Announcing the Steem Bluepaper!
Also, I wouldn't worry about the resteem, just happy that @themarkymark's been working hard towards squashing some of the abuse taking place on the platform.
Besides that, hope you find my scripts helpful as well! :)
It is the updated version, and I've already got the Bluepaper printed and ready to read next. I thought reading both would help in catching up on the history and progression of the platform. Thanks, Alex!