mutually grow with those who are of about the same "seniority" as you are.

I agree that the majority of association is among peers. When you only have 50 or so SP it is almost impossible to grow. The growth ability is also on a scale dependent on one's level.

Does that mean we should not support plankton, or redfish, or minnows? Not at all! But perhaps it shouldn't be the backbone of the strategy, just part of it.

Selfgrowth should be the backbone and helping a small part.