The masturbatory shit-pool as you call it is the biggest challenge for steemit to overcome. I would call these negative feedback loops, loops that perpetually sucks energy away from the network for the sake of an individual. 

I think we need to find ways to limit self voting, but banning self voting will ultimately lead people to having puppet accounts (which cannot be avoided either way).  It's definitely a hard problem.

@stellabelle I have an unrelated question. I'm not sure the best way to contact you so I apologize this is the wrong way.  I'd like to chat with you, or have a brief exchange about a proposal i'd like to make to the network. I'd love some feedback on some ideas I have, and am preparing to set them in motion. I'm looking for support on ways to on ramp artists to the platform, and partner with local arts organizations. I'm looking to position my self as an advocate for artists on blockchain networks, and also promote these networks locally.  If this is something you might have a moment to support in one way or another, i'd really appreciate it, let me know the best way to chat with you. I think it could be really good for artists and steemit.