''I didn't know that legitimate posts could be hidden and rewards stripped, simply due to a few downvotes from powerful individuals.''
Welcome to the real world of Steem.
Dont take any notice of anything @themarkymark says, he is one of the most dishonest people I have ever encountered anywhere. He is doing the exact same thing as he accuses others of doing. Have a look at what he has been doing with my account and many others.
It is one NSA styled Chain of Command operating in pods.
The person at the top creates a list of who he does not want to earn any steem/ who is to just get a few big flags to get them in line etc
Their aim is to ensure Steem does not attain mass adoption.
I would suggest that our aim should be is to transform the top twenty witness selection from stake based to one human one vote, democratic system.
If we can wrestle the top twenty witness selection out of their control we have succeeded.