it takes time and effort to establish yourself on this or any other platform. Those whales and dolphins you are complaining about --- a lot of them are supporting programs that are designed to locate minnows doing quality work and give them some support.

There are a few who engage in self-voting themselves more than they vote for others. It's not good but you need to remember, it is their stake and their right to make use of the Steem Power.

In among the spam and crap that is swamping the site, there are good posts. Posts that it would be nice to see get some recognition but you need to be clear.. no one 'deserves' rewards. They need to earn them.