Not everyone has the spare cash to invest
I know this, and do give out votes to some of the smaller guys. I just sent some to those you mentioned.
Not everyone is in my position but the facts present are true. Look at the amount of STEEM you have attained by 'proof of brain' and you will see it.
Without buying STEEM, you will likely never become a Dolphin no matter how hard you work. Those times are behind us.
I was lucky to get in early and so most of my SP is earned. It's much harder now.