Hi Dana,
I think the topic of optimal post # and how it should be valued needs to be extended. Perhaps when good author produces great pieces long or short, and especially if their blog shows the test of time, a better reward scheme could/should be introduced.
Not sure if you saw my reply in @stellabella's recent post, I put out a case that some number of small tweaks in the system will bring big benefits to all, especially to good and consistent bloggers.
The idea in my reply is to give everyone hope, let me know if this comes across as an encouragement:
https://steemit.com/deathspiral/@stellabelle/is-steemit-in-an-economic-and-social-suicide-death-spiral#@dj123/re-stellabelle-is-steemit-in-an-economic-and-social-suicide-death-spiral-20171106t234113550z
Up-Voted for sharing steemit history, past experimentation, and opening discussion for optimization.
See my most recent response post to this one where I recommended something similar to a Patreon model. I think it is fair if established bloggers want to be in a position to make sustainable income from their content. I think quality content or just favorite bloggers, artists, etc, are funded by subscription or patronage models.
This is not the only way but the gist of the problem seems to be that established bloggers make a sustainable income from blogging while new bloggers are struggling. Even established bloggers struggle in reality but the perception is that it's sort of an "either or" situation. I think ideally both established bloggers should be supported so as to continue to create quality content and new bloggers encouraged to create quality content to become established bloggers.
Will read @stellabelle as she was for 2016 the #1 most established blogger for a time.