Agreed, reputation in the real world is an illusion, but how about online? To evaluate a persons character would be easier in the material world than online IMO.

Regarding patronage, I agree with you but I cannot see a situation where you would agree to an known/anonymous patron who had gargantuan swag and wealth from sources which most would consider illegal, or immoral.

I also agree when you say money makes the system go round, but does it have to be "in-your-face"? In the six months here on steemit, I have noticed it apparently is having the opposite effect, rather than mass adoption.