RE: The maximization curve
When Steem was 7 cents huge posts were around the 50 dollar mark. one of my few times in Trending was a 25 dollar post. If I remember it took a whale or two and curie to get me there. The massive posts at the start was because there were few users but they were distributing the whole pool. As more users come on with stake, there is less high reward. currently the bidbots are the only ones who can get posts to 1500 and that is stacked with multiple bots, never organic.
THe system is designed for essentially whatever price. if you remember not too far back SBD stopped printing. That was because of a debt system that ensures SBD won't get over produced as it is backed by Steem.
Essentially though from my perspective is, unless selling, don't worry too much about price (or payout values) and play your game well.
Sorry for so many questions, just trying to understand it all, thanks for being patient with me.
See, reading some Steem related material can help from time to time ;P
And oh did I feel that slap around the head all the way to Poland. :p
Thanks bro, your the man for stats. :-)