I think the problem fundamentally is Hive tries to be too much, and has no real identity

It doesn't need an identity. The decentralized nature of the platform allows for someone (like me or anyone else) to represent themselves, not the platform. So I do things my way, and some people like that, and that's all that's needed. No more, no less.

People run into problems when their main focus is to simply post content in order to collect or mine rewards, with no desire to attract and maintain interest in their work. In other words their content is just filler, not attractive, the producers often coast along collecting auto votes; hardly a sound under their work and the view counter doesn't budge.

At the same time, the platform as whole focuses too much on attracting creators, and pays no attention to attracting consumers. That's a big problem. It's something I've been talking about for years. Most recently back in January, inside this post

https://peakd.com/life/@nonameslefttouse/one-of-those-hive-stories

The reason why my work, and a few others, is always jammed with engagement, is because we don't focus on the money. We focus on creating a product that attracts consumers.

That product can be anything, and would be successful. Long form, short form, any form, doesn't matter. As long as it attracts attention. The decentralized nature means there's no need for guidelines. The platform works fine by design. It's up to the people to use it, however they see fit, but also attract consumers.

It is wasteful to simply pay people for showing up and creating content. There needs to be a push to attract consumers, and focus placed on consumer perks. Read the post.