I think it's because 75% of the people on here are not interested in content, but rather in making money. Popularity on Steemit has nothing to do with quality of content - it's 99% a matter of what people think will earn them the best curating bonuses apparently. IMO it's a big problem of Steemit.
I'd like to argue. Though can't deny the validity of that viewpoint - regardless of what the actual percentage might be.