Thanks for the replies @sames, I definitely value your opinion. I have no issues with the idea of "change" and the idea of SMTs. In fact I whole love the concept. My issue has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that they "CHOSE" to cut off the ability for new users to do anything. They are cutting off the spigot of new users because honestly what person is going to pay to come blog and make comments when they can so it freely everywhere else. They could easily adjust the RCs so that the people at the bottom have enough to do commenting, but instead they give you a popup window that encourages you to buy steem.
So I don't even have a problem with the RC as a long term technological advance, but I do have an issue with keeping all of them at the top of the chain and not letting the little guys express their opinions without paying for it. That is what is distasteful to me.