The main issue here is what metrics to use to gauge what proposals to fund

Not for me. For me the issue is create those accounts and give the rightful owners control of their own funds .
Who anyone voted for or why, is the business of the people doing the voting. What is the point of voting for witnesses if we are only allowed to vote for the witnesses other people want lol

Here we preach decentralization but we do not live it . This is the issue that must be resolved, it is the issue that will determine the success or failure of Hive.
Right now I think Steem has a better chance of long term success