Yeah that's really a shame. Not only whales but also people with a big Youtube or Social Media following come on here and it's automatic money for stolen memes while some people are putting out great long form content that's very good thats earning $1.
Also my favorite Steemians who I normally check everyday and see a new post havn't been on in days or weeks. If this platform was so great and so engaging people wouldn't dry up when the money slows down. The truth of the matter is Youtube, Reddit, etc at this point in time are better platforms. Not to knock Steemit, obviously it's a lot newer, its working out the kinks and growing and figuring out what it is. I think the next hard fork which has communities should be pretty good but Steemit needs to improve