I know exactly what you mean. I've been applying my street sense here since the beginning as well. I've brought this up with people, used the analogies, even wrote about the similarities myself.

You'll see a beggar on the street act desperate and get nothing, you'll see that here on Steemit as well. Ask for a vote, get nothing.

You'll see someone put on a good performance, and people line up to give thanks with a bit of spare change.

So much of the real world exists here.