One of the most important tasks the engagement officers do on a weekly basis is checking up on those, who receive the highest votes from @steemstem (the list is usually published in the "steemSTEM Distilled" on Thursdays). Those who receive a lot of monetary support should also be those, who are an active part of the community.
This is my favorite thing that has been implemented. It's extra incentive to be that much more involved in the community and I'm hoping this is actually working.
The #steemstem honors members are great people and this initiative will definitely help keep the community straight and help make it an actually engaged community.
I am totally agreeing with what you said! I am very curious to see how things will develop themselves on the long run :)