This may explain why no one is bothering to automate it.

Perhaps but it also require a lot of Steem power, loss of reward etc. Spreading the cost widely to many whales has many benefits and then also having @benjojo's idea incorporated will give it some sensitivity when required.

So, uhmm, I guess this idea should really be tested.

This is what i am hoping for as it is a low-risk way to try many various adjustments that perhaps can be later implemented into hardforks.