It might only be because I'm so new here (it's pretty clear from the amount of posts and your reputation lvl that you've been here longer than most), but my experience has been really different. People welcomed me in, made sure I knew the ropes, and voted for my posts to make sure I never lost heart. 

No, it's not always easy to watch someone get a truckload of coin for a post that wasn't the greatest (in  your/my opinion), but as we continue to go forward these things will change. The power dynamics will shift as people that stick with steemit gain more and more power as time goes on, especially if the user base/retention continue to grow appropriately.

As far as it being "not really a blogging site that rewards good writers, but rather a game for those who are willing to do whatever it takes to become popular". I think it can be either one, that's up to us. If there are scam artists here, then rest assured that you're right: there no place to hide - especially in the blockchain.

As perhaps one of the, technically speaking, finest writers on this platform, Stellabelle.......

it is, existentially speaking, such a god damn shame that you have placed your skill at the service of two or more of the Seven Deadly Sins for your Muse

 Lust
Gluttony
 Sloth
Wrath
 Envy
 Pride

to, as Solomon would say, "soweth discord among brethren".

Lest I come across as being overly religious, let me state categorically that I am no such thing. Just a keen observer of human nature and the ends to which talented people employ their labors. 

Take for example that supreme orator of the French Revolution, Robespierre the "Incorruptible" (ha!). He began his career as a monarchist and opposed to the death penalty. He ended it, ironically enough also on Madame Guillotine, having unleashed through his oratorical sophistry  gushing rivers of blood and having set the stage for the emperor to come. Full circle. All in service to his Pride!

Do you, Stellabelle, retain sufficient presence of mind to critically examine your muse(s) while attempting to arouse negativity in readers here on this platform? Or are you now perfectly possessed by one or more of the list above?

Where will you lead us, Stellabelle?