I concur, @quillfire, in addition to my previous comments. Like you, I engage on Steemit and find it odd that a post like this (https://partiko.app/@fionasfavourites/universal-basic-unit-a-south-african-blockchain-project-for-universal-benefit), written to generate discussion on something that I would have thought was "on topic" and which has much discussion in the comments has earned zip by comparison with the snaps posted via #share2steem like this one https://partiko.app/@fionasfavourites/fionasfavourites-1554494782106-weekend-work on which there were few, if any comments.

So yes, you are spot on:

This reality, obvious to everyone, has resulted in ferocious loyalties and reciprocal engagement.

Which is why communities, themes and contests are so much a feature of these communities.

What I had hoped you would weigh in on are the issues of the effect of positive comments, downvote bots with their rude and often crude remarks, not to mention the bullies that indulge in ad hominems. It is exactly this behaviour that precludes people like me from weighing in on certain issues.

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PS I wrote this comment before I had seen your additional comment. Very interesting potential development :D