Well if a DROW is problematic, the current Steemit system is problematic in the same way. As I said, DROWs could be set up using regular old Steemit accounts right now. If I had more time on my hands I'd start one myself, if only just to see if one could be made to work. It would take a monumental effort to manage the sales and administration of such a venture. I don't even really have time these days to post (I just find this topic so damn interesting, I can't resist). That said, I hereby forfeit any ownership of the idea to anyone who wants to take this ball and run with it.

The checks on DROW power would be competition from other DROWs and the sense of fairness of subscribers to said DROW. For example, if I start a DROW and establish credibility through some seed money and a fair retaliation against false flaggers, people would be apt to support my efforts and subscribe. If I go around playing politics and flagging people erroneously using the account myself, people would likely withdraw subscription and kill my revenue stream. They could also defect to other DROWs that fulfill the same function. The thing that would help prevent DROW vs. DROW wars would be mutually assured destruction.