You do realise 'halfway to dolphin' is not a big deal? It's not just about putting out posts. You need people engaging with them. It's not a perfect system (by a long way), but I've managed to build a following with a lot of effort. I see you get some prizes for engagement, but if it's all complaining Steem is unfair it may not win you many votes. You don't have to suck up to whales, but some may downvote negative attitudes. I don't generally downvote opinions.

I've been to several Steem events and seen @soldier there with her @Appix team. What she has earned is nothing next to what she must have spent on those and other trips.

I have a daughter who is not really into social media. There are general issues with girls getting obsessed with image, but that has always happened. The Appix stuff may remain a tiny part of Steem, but who knows?

Steem is still barely a blip on the Internet. There's still a chance to influence where it goes, but you have to work with others.

Wishing you all the best for next year.