Just a thought... if not the rewards then what the difference does it make where to write your thoughts. If only expressing yourself is the goal, there are lots of free blogging platforms which can show your content to the world. Some are better organized for visitors who are less obsessed with popularity and more interested in you and what you write.
But yes I agree with you that overly commercializing this platform where votes can be bought and sold is not necessarily a good thing.
Thank you very much for your compliment.