looking at posts that haven't been voted yet and that I think should be voted, and sharing that around. Which is how I think this should work anyway.

I totally agree!

I also understand I can be "notified" about new posts within seconds, but even when I click that link immediately I will hardly be able to judge the quality of that post before the 1st minute has passed...

I don't get your point though?! Do you think the minimize curation window makes sense? Where is the benefit in that, what is that trying to fix?