I think Bernie doesn't care about signups. The system is flawed (which I think most people will have to agree, so far in development at least), which to him is reason enough to rant on and downvote every post with any positive bias towards Steem or Steemit.

To people like him, this is wasted money on keeping a facade. I can certainly see his point of view. I guess I'm just more hopeful, not as rich and less into rude behaviour.