Oh yes, steemit is so badass, I agree 100%. This platform blows centralized networks out of the water regardless of hiccups in my opinion. I used minds in the past and it was terrible compared to how steemit is for usability. I think this site is just fine and dandy personally.
The whales just need to promote quality regardless of the topic right now, spread the votes around like you said. Whales are like newspaper editors, they have the ability to put someone on the front page giving them exposure. Later whales can upvote and follow but right now they need to be constantly on the move so the minnows and dolphins don't become complacent constantly voting on the same people trying to make money and that's it.
Steemit needs to be artificially driven until the users can organically take over.