Hello @exyle, this post is very interesting. In some ways I see a lot of myself in your experience here in Steem.
I bought approximately half of my 20K steem power and like you I actually see it as an investment to make grow.. I mean, without actually doing anything improper that could harm Steem.
But unlike you, the thing that makes me love#newsteem is exactly the pleasure of discover new talent, to support them with the hope that some whales in its turn can do the same. It's win win situation...

Good Sunday to you, too.