So, given the size of the current system, I am still uncertain whether or not such a proposal is worth actually implementing. It's more of a thought experiment (maybe something that can work with SMTs or another blockchain). But given the distributed system, there will be pressure from the community for those verified to verify others in order to maintain their status as verifiers. 

So, we might have 10 top-level verifiers, but as they verify others, it should be relatively quick and easy to verify 60-70% of the network with the current rules. You simply start out with quality content, a verifier finds you and then resteems your quality content so that other verifiers can see it. Sure it might not be immediate, but it eliminates rewards farming significantly.

Also, the current interface of Steemit and the other apps is poor. Those might need to be improved before a proposal like this ever goes forward. But again, I really think this would work better in a experimental, less developed ecosystem (SMT, new blockchain).