I agree with the idea of a convergent linear curve. There are problems with n^2 as well as purely linear. In my view, convergent linear is a happy medium.

For users with less stake, they are going to need to figure out how to play the curation “game” more optimally if they want their votes to count. The system was originally designed for rewards to be based on the “wisdom of the crowd” and this is more in line with that.