It could work, but up until now, it has been a circle jerk of giving too few people too much money and people within the circle they already support.

There are many ways it could play out and it is a hot topic this week. Next week... ?

My opinion is the current atmoshere is a function of the actions of those who control the steem. When they behave differently, the money will go to different places.

Why is vote buying on shit posts more offensive than the trending list? No reason that I can think of. :)