People are mad because money's involved and like you stated; it's only potential too! Everyone says they understand the system, until something happens that doesn't benefit them. A good part of the reason I'm here is because of this type of freedom to do whatever we wish. I don't have to post over a certain number of words or write a specific topic.
People are going to like my stuff, and other people won't. Now before anyone thinks I'm trying to be a selfless cuck, money's cool- but if you can't financially survive without Steemit, you should be doing something else.
Also thanks for clarifying that the flagged rewards go back to the pool @schattenjaeger, that's good to know.