i think the real question to ask is WHY they behaved like that.. i understand what you are describing and what you speak of..

but.. the question i would ask is
Is this something they do all the time or were there other circumstances at play.. im not trying to justify anything,,. but simply to understand.. I dont like casting aside people, or indeed labelling them based on what they did when they were under duress. I have also spoken with acidyo briefly, unintentionally about this, and it was abundantly clear that he went through hell and back dealing with what happened.. We may never really understand even what he went through and lost, but with some compassion perhaps we can see the good side of these people, and make some space for being imperfect,.,.

I mean, life is imperfect isnt it!.. i dont really expect anything else Here, so i just work with what we have.. You mention that you dont think a few whales should dictate what posts have value or not.. so i would have to just say yes.. that is what this system is made to do.. If other people come and do the same, but support niche creative posts then so be it..

Let me explain it like this:
Some people here view Hive as more than just a rewards based blogging site .. much more.. and they are waiting for someone to show up and take it to the next level with new ideas.. to them that is what will make this system survive.. if the trending page is mainly creative stuff and the focus is not on development of new ideas.. long term the whole blockchain may well fail.. Its best chance for success (at least in many peoples opinion who understand this chain way better than you or i can).. its best chance is to fully support those people and projects that may take it there.. I give them space to do that, no problem.. Hive needs to survive and thrive.. and encouraging highly technical people here is probably the best way..

finally, i have to be honest that the rewards i get are more than fair for what i put in.. granted not everyone gets good rewards, but good posts seem to get noticed and supported by many others.. just look at the ecoTrain community page.. its really amazing i think how much most people get .. and as the price of Hive goes up so do these rewards of course.. which leads me back to my first point..

anyways,, i m glad you take this constructively.. i am really trying to support you, and want to share what i see.. as i say, NVC is absolutely amazing.. and from what i know of you i think you would also fall in love with it if you spent just a little time watchin a few vids..

the full monty with the man himself.. marshall rosenberg.. i cant speak highly enough about this video..,

heres a nice short one to taste :)

Much love sarah.. really hope you can find a productive way through this quandry