@nathansenn, this is a valuable read and I'm glad you took the time t share your thoughts and experience. I know DBuzz and all the drama that has surrounded the project. You have some valuable lines here that worth noting down and kept in mind when you have a project on an incentivized platform.
I like the solution you opted for and honestly, removing rewards is the only way forward, if you want to keep the project alive. I'm going to check it out and most likely use it if time permits.
Good luck!