This seems to be the new catch all phrase for those who don't like the way something is going on Steem.
It is Unsustainable due to (Insert your pet peeve here)
You might be correct, but you are correct for the wrong reasons.
Of course it is unsustainable here are some other reasons
Other Models that were unsustainable in the beginning
The good news is there are no plans to sustain what we currently have in place.
SteemIt Inc's plan to make it more sustainable is SMTs and Communities. Others have other views although I am unclear on their plan.
For the most part Steem is rising and falling with the entire crypto market.
While I have your attention, let's talk about retention also.
There are a lot of reason that users would come and go and not continue to use the site. The payouts is the most common reason I see attached to this, but I beg to differ. I am not saying that none of it is related to payouts, but there are many other factors in play.
I'm not even sure we should consider or worry about retention at all. I do like to pay attention to the traffic, which to me seems on par with the crypto space in general.
I don't know of anywhere else you can post your content and earn what many are earning here, if it doesn't meet your requirements I will be sorry to see you go.
On a personal note, I am feeling kind of overwhelmed by all the negativity. Bear with me, I will sort myself out.
To the newer end-users, please don't confuse the loudest for the majority, some of us recognize there are challenges with paying people for content. Many sites have tried it, just not with crypto we are doing just fine!