Is any single post ever worth over $2500?

That's why we need a downvote option that is separate from flagging. With the current system, more visibility necessarily means higher payout. We should opt for a system in which more visibility implies a fairer payout.

Edit: Woah, I hadn't realized how controversial your post was until after I replied. It's like people are numb to paying thousands of dollars for a single post cause they don't see coming out of their pockets.