An excellent post with valid points & concerns.
Reward pool rape needs to be addressed ASAP. The primary goal of Steemit should be to foster good quality content that pays. The secondary goal should be wealth inflation by the methods mentioned. Without adequate Steemian retention and rising MAU, the platform’s progress may falter - negative network effect.
What’s so difficult about short but regular updates from the mothership?
Roadmaps should have indicative timelines so that Steemians can develop their project plans.