I think with bitcoin is the point users of this think " there are max 21 000000".
So is more about the feeling.
With Steem we need easy rules in code.
Otherwise it is for one user abuse, another think its not.
If we have game rules in code, there are overall force people to use Steem in a good way, there will use it.
Like Self upvote yes but only with 25% power. If you want to abuse with another account, there can be a pattern. If you vote for 1 account more then for example 50%. The reward get cuted ( or 10%).
Think about this like a computer game. Everyone wants to win. If the way you win, all players win, you have a really good eco System.
If the Rules are open, we come to the point we have today.
One say NONONONONONO thats not okay you only reward your followers,
Another say " yes thats the reason im here on Steem".
We can be open for all, or have strict rules in code to force users the way is best for steem.
If the best way to go for one user, the direction is good for all users, we go in the same direction :)
Those kind of rules always have loopholes, or they would be implemented already. If you cut rewards for repeated voting on one account, those who want to abuse just create a lot more accounts.
Of course gamification is an important part of steem. And downvotes are a part of the game ;)
Btw, steem's inflation is going down too, we also have an upper limit of coins that will exist.
you are 100% right :)
There are always ways to abuse. Maybe with cut rules, abusers start to delegate in a crazy way :D
The only thing which will really help is people caring about the community and using their downvotes to redistribute selfishly gained rewards. Be it on steem or with SMT.
I wrote a few posts trying to motivate people, but even with the different trails that can be chosen from people are reluctant. And I can't and don't want to keep writing again and again about the same stuff.
Maybe it needs more time for the culture to change, but if we don't manage to get there I don't see us going anywhere.
All good things need time. I think Steem will need 5 years + to get mature.