I think that it is an important factor that you have mentioned. : the human factor. The human Asher, Taraz, Galen and Mary and others etc etc. When you read and scroll through the posts and notice the content through time then you can start to connect. The pillars of Hive will take time to be built. A person's value here is sum of factors. As you said, some are valuable to the point that if they do not post they affect the community as a whole.
I think that beyond investment, people search for quality and connection. No use of throwing support just to spread that vote. A vote is not only an investment, but also a mirror of those who vote. I doubt that valuable people will cast their vote randomly just to check voting off the " to do list" for the day.
Quality, engagement, the human connection is what will contribute to the longterm well being of anyone enjoying the Hive's wonderful universe.
This is a massive part of the experience, it becomes one of friendship and over time, it will more and more cross into the real world too.
I think Asher falls into this category, especially through the data posts, as many people use them to fine tune and track their experience.
Most don't I assume, but they might vote without reading on some people knowing that there is a high probability of value.
It is why I stay.
That's why we all stay. We= those who connect.
It has been interesting to observe this over the years as with little exception, the engaged stay far longer and under much more stressful conditions.
The power of connection pulling you through the rough times. I think this also happens in real life. The stronger the connection, the more it lasts in front of adversity
!ENGAGE 20
ENGAGEtokens.