I agree with your synopsis on why the current iteration of Steem is currently in decline. The signal to noise ratio of genuine users is frankly too low. There is simply too much noise with so much focus on making money rather than content. And those making quality content are being ignored.

There is so much meta discussion about the platform which seems kind of absurd to me. What we are missing are those passionate builders. Those people willing to build skyscapers for nothing. We need those adventurers who take us to the next level. The way YouTube was in 2005. The way several Subreddits are today.

But the marketing is completely wrong. Rewards shouldn't matter, at least not at this point. The biggest reason I write on the site today is not because of the paltry rewards, but because I see the potential of the platform. Sure, the money aspect still influences some of my judgements, but when I get into the zone, writing (at least for me) is fun. And being part of something that has the potential to be huge is exciting.

Mindset is important. So sure those who will help this platform are being ignored. But if you are truly in it for the long haul, you don't need rewards. You just need to do what you enjoy doing.

So, to put everything together. Yes, Steemit has problems. Yes, the genuine creators are being drowned out and tend to quit. Are there things that need to change from the top? Certainly. But to the new creators out there. Forget the money. Do what you love. If there are enough of you on the site, then things will slowly correct themselves and "hope" will be restored on the blockchain.