I most first commend your writing skill. This is one of the most structured post i have read in a long time.

In regards to reward, i think most people put the cart before the horse. As an economist you will agree with me that value is usually apportioned to those who perform tasks that the majority wouldn't take. And in this case 'engagement' is the that task.

I come across numerous posts each day but hardly do you find people engage with other contents. It is impossible to thrive on this chain that way. Irrespective of the quality of a post, the author will always fall short if they don't build their social capital