I think your perspective on this is very well put together. I agree in principle with almost everything you are saying. In my mind though I don't care about the quality of the content because I see the future apps built on the steem blockchain as simple share tools where people share whatever they want. What that content is will only matter to the users real social network just like on facebook.
I also think that this ecosystem is developing like any other free market economy . All of them hit bumps in the road as they develop and that is fine with me.
I think ultimately that the "haves" will all come to a point individually where they see the need to share the wealth in some form to keep the ball rolling.
I for one like how you approach Steemit. I found you because you voted on my posts. I then followed you and began to read your posts and learn all about steemit. You could have shared pics of flowers and I would have consumed those but instead you chose to share good content and I support every post. Others will do the same because you interact with your followers. Why would I follow someone who pays no attention to me? When more people take your approach the ecosystem will change for the positive and thrive.