Yes absolutely!! I've been thinking this too. Once the power is placed in anyone's hands it becomes a very complicated thing as this means they people at the top can essentially control reputation, where the money goes, and whose posts get seen. I've also been seeing this happening when people who are already big on Steemit get their friends to join and obviously their friends get instant success too - this is just like the connections and 'legs up' that happen in today's capitalist society!