I think that if we make more people jump a little higher to get in, it won't stop people coming but it will get them invested into making Steemit a great place to interact, post and hopefully earn. There is so much hidden potential that could reveal itself if, and only if, we get through these current issues.
I think you're on to something. Steemit likes to promote its website as a quality blog. So far it really isn't. I was attracted here because of these rules: no spamming, no trolls, no plagiarism and no censorship. A few more rules and hoops to jump through might attract more serious bloggers, people who actually have something to say, sports fishermen out to land a trophy, not seiners with gill nets out to snag whatever they can. We just have to recognize that it could be a very slippery slope and figure out ways to prevent flagging for disagreement or personal prejudices. It truly is a difficult problem that must be addressed if Steemit is to live up to its potential.
There are so many behavioural nudges that could improve the platform through the AI but, it would take more than tech people to design it. I don't want behaviourists from FB either as they will nudge for engagement, only. Lots of options, much thinking, many experiments possible.