The sooner people open their eyes and realize the truth the better their experience here will be. I was once also all sentimental about how this platform was expressed as one way but then it turns out to be another. You've got to read between the lines though. One must accept reality. Nothing is for free in this world. While you can still reach heights by hard work. The model is clearly designed to rewards those who pay for exposure. This will definitely not change. It will actually become more and more stringent.
Steemit Inc. have realized the power and value of their blockchain and are now moving on with SMTs. One needs to accept it or find another place which is aligned with their dream. You can even start your own platform using the tokens. They have made this clear at steemfest2: Steemit is a place for entrepreneurs to earn their bread. Whether that is simply by humbly managing your blog to gain a large audience or controversially offering rented SP as blocktrades will. The choice is there. The game has changed.
The whales are fed. As cute as dolphins are, they will become outnumbered this time in 2018.
The sharks are hungry.
Well, I see a very practical approach towards Steemit and I appreciate it completely..... I just hope there is no cheating of people in the very mission statement of tseemit
There's no cheating as there is no obligation to pay. As earlier stated, you can still make it through hard work. Expect that process to be a lengthy one though. The system is clearly now designed to get you there quicker - when you pay. Steemit did no doubt start out as a noble cause. That's no longer the mission though. If you go to YT and watch the steemfest videos you will get an understanding of where development is heading. Even if you watch this video below recently uploaded by Exyle you will see how he has also realized this and accepted it.