Again an interesting topic.
Supporting the minnows is great, cause it is utmost important that they get to know steem, keep using it and spreading the word.
The middle layer is also important, but just like in the real world it is the most forgotten group. But in the world of Steem, these are users which are here to stay. They spread the word and invest in it!
So yes both groups should be supported. The minnows because this is important for the growth of the system, the middle layer because they are the life line of the system.
The question is how to support them.
For the minnows. Giving out a free loan isn't a good idea. It would feed the idea that Steemit is about free money. For this group knowledge about Steem is much more important.
Supporting the middle class is great. Because this power will drop down to the minnows.
But let's be honest. If you do want to make something of your Steem account there are 2 ways to do it. 1. Buy steem and really invest money in it. 2. The hard way, put a lot of time and effort into it.
I'm trying option number 2. But I can assure you that it will be a long road for me to step out of the minnow group!
But all these actions is what is making steem great. Lots of people do think about the others!