I was in a similar boat, but kept seeing more and more Steemians I was 'closer' to getting accepted in there. I'm not in there myself just yet, but I would expect this to align pretty well with what you're looking for. This post lays their rules/goals out pretty well: https://steemit.com/thealliance/@thealliance/thealliance-house-rules-updated
Yea...it's always better when something is wanted on Steemit...to just find a way to do it without Steemit, lol. I'm definitely interested to see how they go when STINC launched them...but we've gotta keep moving in the mean time. :)
Hehe...obligatory kitty says thank you! (pronounced meow, lol)
Much the same thing I'm experiencing; lot of people I follow and respect have the banner at the bottom of their posts... so maybe there's something there.
I'll be a little more serious about checking it out!
Meow!