From the conversations I have with people here on a daily basis, I would say it's a safe bet that without curie, steemit would have a fraction of its user retention. It has gotten to the point where most people are afraid to speak up for the guilds, but I've found a large majority are extremely grateful for what they do. Now that I no longer qualify for curie I was fortunate to be picked up by Ned's guild... because without the guilds, what could I hope to earn? What could most people hope for here? That someone with a lot of sp happens to be on the home page when their post appears there? Aside from the handful of people who happen to be friends with larger investors, I'd say the chances of a post being hit would be like winning the lottery. I appreciate what you do, and even though many are silent right now, I know I'm not in the minority.