Can we hard-code your recipe for success into Hive's code?

LOL. No, as this is my opinion and to me it makes sense. Others might disagree and call it restrictive :) As you said, they are a lot. But I have personally done all these and it helped me immensely.

lots of people engage in a way that seems artificial

I agree. Many here on chain met me in person, and I can assure you, I talk very similarly in real life. Nothing that I personally put out here is fake and it is 100% my feeling at that time.

Do not vote your own posts/comments

I tried to implement this for a while @gtg might remember. Well he is the pilot who is driving this starship. Lobby to him and maybe someday you might be able to convince him.