I'm not convinced that total payout is the most reliable indicator of a "great post".

The burnposts make tons of money for curators and ste.emcleeners (not exactly content that would appeal to the public at large) was the most consistent top earner.

What about a cap of $50 ?

The overwhelming majority of the posts I make and vote on make less than $0.25

Big payouts don't seem to attract readers or commentators, but they do seem to attract autovoters like flies.