I have to admit that I am still mystified by the witnesses, but I made a decision last night to learn more and your links are going to be very helpful to me. Kind of like following bread crumbs of knowledge.
I don't know how much my vote for witnesses count, but I've actually been going through the list, visiting their blog pages and their stated agendas. I've also been researching who they vote for. I must admit I've been leaning toward the witnesses that I see actively participating with posts and comments because I feel like they have a better pulse on the community heartbeat. It's the only way I know how to properly vet a witness. I know I've got a lot to learn so any direction on reference material would be very much appreciated.
As for your question. If you are referring to distribution in SP, as opposed to SBD and STEEM (I got a little confused on that part), then I'm all for it! Any opportunity to increase vote strength and keep a civil head is a good thing.
BTW - GOOD LUCK on your grant application! Pursuing your PhD and doing all of this...WOW! When do you sleep?
..Sleep?
HAHAH! How did I know that would be the response? :)
I wrote a general overview guide for a Steemit user to understand. https://steemit.com/steemit-guides/@pfunk/a-full-steemit-user-s-guide-to-steem-witnesses
Let me know if there's anything confusing as I think I'll be making an updated version.
I feel pretty confident with my activity on Steemit so I wanted to take my personal learning to the next level to get a deeper understanding of how big this network of people is. I have been taking some of your suggestions and reading through the witnesses' curriculum vitae, if you will.I've got it on bookmarks @pfunk. Thanks!
I think it's very important as a community member to be well-informed about what witnesses do and really vet them before making a selection. I kind of consider it my Steemit civic duty.