Yes, you nail it eloquently. Bernie Sanders bought his steem power and didn't earn it via posting or curation.
So he's been allowed immense power that hasn't been earnt in a positive way. His bot Randowhale earns money and steempower by cheating the system.
He has the highest negative rating yet still wreaks havoc.
I have some AMAZING people who would bring incredibly high value to the community and propel steemit and steem as a currency to the stars, but how can I, when the atmosphere is like some teenage all-boys sport locker room?
(NB- most of my steempower was bought as well!)