Sadly that happened to me too, just lost people from following list, and later re-add them just to be lost again, but that didn't happen for quite a while.
Not sure what is going on with feed, but hopefully steemit will sort it out soon.

Yeah, some ceaning is always healthy, and prevent clogging up.

Yes, actually we are positioned on 105th place, not great - but for small players without politic games to reach it :) we are proud. :)