First I agree that there are too many metrics of power and status etc. there should be one.
All these SBD, steem, steem power, reputation are redundant and confusing for most people. Collect one, and let it be the measure of everything. But counted properly and in short time frames. Then either reset or having influence but not simply added.
For example if it's just SP and let's say power up or down is not happening or not counted, then even the lazy ones who are here for a longer time just by being here and occasionally uttering a word would almost certainly have much more power than someone talented who just started.

But on another note I'd like to mention that while you think that money is everything as a measure, it COULD be if counted properly. As of it right now, its manipulated even more than reputation. Same as you described about collusion of those with enough power to group together and be there mostly for their friends. Well, pretty much the same happening with the money and votes now. Those who have enough power hold it and apply it far from a simple way of voting if they like something. Plus of course the issue of bots that poison everything here. Not much better than advertising. Actually some of them ARE advertising. "Send me that much SBD and I'll do this for you."

Plus ability to buy, rent (delegate), borrow, accumulate and redistribute power distorting everything here.

Money as you say can be a measure of everything if they are earned by merits only and not by manipulation.

Then talent should be rewarded accordingly.

Then a single vote of anybody should not be worth nothing and dozens of simple votes from begginers should not be added up and still be $0 combined.

Whales power might need to be applied differently too. Not only earning but how their votes count.

Voting for themselves needs to be revisited. I think nobody should be allowed to vote for themselves. Doesn't matter how much power I have if I make a new post it should start from $0 and see if it earns anything in its own merit. Not because I'm sitting in money and power if I'm a whale making a post.

All I wish for is more consistency, less manipulation and more fair and leveled approach.

Also the way how distribution of blocks is scheduled between Witnesses I think is grossly unfair.

I just don't think any of it is going to change because it benefits those who have the most money here and they will never be in a position to give it up. And that exactly what slows growth and adoption of this platform.