The point of decentralization is that things aren't regulated - consequently, steemit is an open market, and people are free to post just about whatever they want, as well as downvote respectively.
Naturally, there is going to be massive inequality unless individual users go out of their way to seek out new and fresh content and not just rely on their friends/established whales. It's up to us as individual steemians to find the content worth promoting - the "diamonds in the rough", so-to-speak. It's the only real, ethical way to bridge the gap.
But without voting power binding, what's the point of Steem Power?
If I couldn't make impactful votes on Steem by my SP, I'd surely leave. That way, it'd mean nothing for me.
Holy shit that article is amazing, thanks for showing!
Your idea isn't bad, either - being difficult to reach the top would make the community healthier.
Have you tried discussing it with the developers?