I'll completely agree in the site's UX being an issue. Specifically the ability to easily search has been lacking since I've gotten here myself. Even google can only go so far to find a specific post I've looked for when I didn't remember the author name. The feed did help to a degree (I've kept my follows rather thin to do this..I'm not a fan of follow for follow) but it alone isn't a full enough fix. The best idea I've seen come out (not my own, but don't remember who's) is to be able to search across multiple tags at once. (i.e. filter for articles with guide, steem dollar, AND cashout tags)
I do disagree on the quality of work here, but I'll admit my feed being full of awesome stuff makes a difference. Since I joined the quality of reading, art, and honest soul sharing is has been mind blowing to me. I flat out gave up trying to get much out of FB myself.
Feel free to join our channel at https://steemit.chat/channel/steemprentice or direct others there. There are dozens and dozens in there just to help to get used to the site, answer questions, give feedback/suggestions, etc.