I didn't say Steemit is a bait and switch, nor did I say I don't want to use it. Please don't quote me out of context.
I said it WOULD be a bait and switch if you showed them a teaser of an article and forced them to log in for the rest, especially if the article was indexed by google.
And I said I don't want to use pinterest. This is because I use google images and very often an image from pinterest is indexed there and is indistinguishable from the others. Pinterest then forces a redirect and tried to urge you to sign up.
Such tactics are insidious and if Steemit ever did anything like that, I'd think twice about supporting it.
Besides all that, there would be no benefit in having lurkers sign up -- they would have no steem power and their upvotes would be meaningless. If they want to MAKE crypto by blogging, they will be motivated without popups.
The system is designed to encourage interaction and community. Lurkers have no value, so why not let them have the content for free? At least it brings them to the site and makes them aware of it.
They may one day become converts and start interacting, so there is really no downside unless you get precious about copyright and intellectual property.
Interesting observations.
Peace.