Yeah your points are solid and all that does matter when a platform really represents people and their ideas/projects.
The code though is the base. It's fundamental for growth.
If the platform is so basic that there's no way for those things to be implemented by user then it will always be wishful thinking and as you point out. One needs too exist outside of here to then make it all worth it.
The reason I target coders also is that they ARE boasting, claiming
"This is Web 3.0" when no.. it isn't. It might feel like it because they work with future/new code but the product is basic and not inviting.
That's why it needs major improvements.
blocktrades seems to see that at least.
I'm curious what he will bring with his second layer systems.
That there might really make this place superior (as a blockchain at least).
Because what I believe is missing is what you outline.
ACTUAL REWARD for all those who you engage with and engage back.
Even a person that just views should have an incremental reward attached.
Without having to play the "im on your curator trial" game.
Even after the rewards window your content is still valuable yet the system says "no sorry you only get to eat for a few days"
It should also be a system you don't even need to actively be a worker bee for.
That's the part I really can't see as a positive.
I despise the MLM system. You should too.