I think the points you make are valid but I do not believe this change should be considered just yet. If a change like this is implemented too early I feel reward amounts will be distributed so thinly it would be harder for more people to gain traction and be encouraged to perform. Without the bandwagon effect (at the stage) curators would continue to do their jobs but the authors would suffer by receiving smaller awards. Once more dolphins and whales get established on the site I absolutely agree that a new 'blind' method will be ideal to keep curators casting for quality rather than quota.