I think the problem here is that the two different mindsets are just not matched up. The people that hate the content clutter and all that don't need to make money from posts, its like a social thing, an investment or an ideology. Spam harshes your mellow, I get it.
But when these people that come to Steem to support themselves make content, they have a time crunch. They need that post to put food on the table, which causes people to try additional tactics to catch some eyes if possible. Its very understandable, and frankly, I'm glad Steem is useful.
They don't spam on the chain though, that's the thing, if they would be active here and build relationships and their account up they would do much better than bugging people on discords and direct messages. I understand the need for that too but many get stuck on that part while many others never do it and don't make the rewards.
That's right, it's a question of mentalities.
But it is also a little exaggerated with time.
Where is it reversed? A possible answer this, in the previous comment!