They did not do this for a financial reward, whether or not they did receive one.
Ofcource they do. They gain reputation and community support. That is called social capital. Also look how much money that report most made. People know that the community will reward them if they give back to the community. This is how awesome Steemit is.
However, if the Steemit platform cannot be designed to reasonably allow people to provide financial rewards to speech they find valuable in a fair way, this will be reflected in Steemit's future, particularly on a competitive playing field.
I believe with the next fork things will be more fair for all.
I hope that the rewards for providing content that is upvoted are made less arcane, and more apportioned according to the number of votes, rather than the wealth of the voters. If you believe that wealth is speech, we will disagree on this matter fundamentally. I have tried to point out why this is not so, and will leave it at that for now.
I also point out that people do sacrifice their lives to save others. This is not done for social capital, but out of love. You seem to be skeptical that people do things for reasons other than self interest.
I know that they do them even when it will harm them.
I know you are not convinced by my words, and have not been convinced before now, but I think you might want to research animals that rescue people, and other animals. There is an altruistic principal that is not entirely explained by seeking social capital, or any other self interest.
Some people are nice. I hope you are never in need of kindness, but that, if you ever are, you find out this is true.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply!
What owes to be and what we would like something to be are two different things. Wealth and reputation go hand in hand. Monetary rewards are in a way a form of societal value. No matter how we like to romanticize the concept if "equality" it is what it is.
Instinct. For example someone will go and save someone from drowning if they know good swimming. Even a mother seeing her child being in a burning building won't be able to go in the flames if she feels that is futile. The "hero" that might die in these situations doesn't evaluate the situation properly.
Animals work on the concept of "reciprocal altruism". Google the term.
We are nice given the right circumstances.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment once again.