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"...that isn't how the DHF works."

Yes, it does. Many proposals receive payment in advance of providing services. All of Blocktrades do, for example.

"I'm not sure who "those in command" are..."

ThoseInCommand.png
IMG source - HiveInflation.com

Now you can be sure who they are.

Yes, but you also realize that you need 10 of us small fry fish with 20,000 hive powered up to equal 1 200,000 dolphin.

Its irrational to act like we are all equal shareholders because we simply have hive powered up. The whales will always outnumber us and I wouldn't be surprised if they have consolidated power so us smaller users are functionally null and void.

"...I wouldn't be surprised if they have consolidated power so us smaller users are functionally null and void."

They have since the first Steem token was mined.

WhalesWithPower.png

PowerLevel.png

IMG source - Arcange - ~36 whales have maintained a majority of stake and governed Hive since it's inception. They receive >90% of the rewards from the pool, and always have.