Simplify the monetary aspect is something I agree with 100 %. That is something else that scares away newbies. Convert this into that to use to power up. No need for all those steps.
I don't think a max value on an upvote would lead to excessive cashing out in the long run. A more "fair" rewards system means more join and participate which will increase the over all value of steemit in general.
Agreed a better way to find content is needed also. I bet most only glance at their own feeds. A section with content with the most upvotes instead of rewards could be an option.
If Steemit doesn't fix some of these issues a new social media outlet will come out using steemit as its base model + improvements and it will become the next Social Network to be apart of.
Good words. Steemit: thrive or dive. I hope those guys are putting their initial gains to use. There is potential here but all we can do is watch, pick and choose what we think is best worth our time.
The saying goes: just my 2 cents. Then to find out what's really worth 2 cents lol.