I know very little about crypto, or manipulating rewards, so maybe my comments are irrelevant to this proposal. However, here's my feedback, humbly offered:

Another aspect of this change is a likely decrease in the number of votes cast for posts.

Is that a good thing? I'm just going by classic behavior modification theory: votes, and comments, are positive reinforcement. If Hive were a pure crypto environment, positive reinforcement might not be relevant. But there is a social aspect to this platform, always has been. That social part is represented by votes and comments. It is that social part that brings me back. It may be true that I'm not typical. However, I'm also impervious to market fluctuations.

When Hive value declines, I don't think, Hive is down, what's the point of blogging. I think, Hive is down what will people do who actually need this coin to pay for stuff. I come back for the people, not the coin. Of course I want the coin to soar. Money is great. But all the effort I put in here is not reinforced by coin. It's reinforced by engagement. Voting is part of that engagement.

I may not be typical, but it probably would be good to foster an environment in which people like me feel comfortable. We spend time on our posts. We engage with other bloggers. We are invested personally in the platform, not just financially. Isn't that the glue that keeps Facebook and Twitter subscribers?

Hive...it's my hobby. I hope whatever you do keeps the community a nice place for me to spend my time.