I'm very new to steemit and had somewhat similar reservations / concerns. However, I was more worried about "quality content" vs "the rich getting richer". I guess it all depends on what you want. Worst case scenario steemit will become a self-sustainable framework where people can exchange value. Best case, that exchange of value will be linked to quality and intrinsic value - and I am hopeful that not only there will be quality content, but in time a structure, so we can start creating cumulative value. The digital diarrhoea is not the most efficient use of our mental resources... Imagine a steemit-wikipedia hybrid where continuous addition and curation deepens / improves / continues a story / the content...
I don't see it become self-centered because if that were to happen the platform would lose its confidence by its users and stop existing. The quality content on the other hand.. The way I see it working right now there are some great iniatives out there, but even so, rich people on this platform have to big of a say. I hope that one day this platform will grow into this more structured, organized being. Also making it easier to find the quality content instead of how it works right now by simply getting a high-paid upvote.