That's exactly the point. Because they have external incentives to "play nice", they don't get to express their true selves. We feel censored by some looming shadow of "If I say the wrong thing, I'll no longer be able to make money".

Normally, this isn't that important, but on a site like Steemit, where free-thinkers are plentiful, it's annoying to feel like certain topics or attitudes aren't wanted here. Even if I might agree with it. Personally, I don't mind the kindness here. It makes for a pleasant community.

But I still can't deny what I said above. It makes the kindness somewhat artificial.