The compounding effect of a relationship on hive is truly amazing. The results over a year are great, but when you start thinking about decades then it’s absolutely incredible.
And yes, free hive don’t exist and short term trying to game the system is only going to hurt your long term gains.
And that’s all without even thinking about the actual relationship that brings value to your life next to the added benefit of being rewarded with hive. The intangible value of relationship is the best part of it. It gives us a sense of belonging and comfort in this crazy busy world.