Its why I stopped contributing.
When you have an ossified network of glad-handlers all congratulating each other on staying exactly where they are - it doesn't encourage anyone to rise up.
I've had my own limited success, so this isn't a newbie who didn't ever get a vote or comment being bitter. I just had my eyes opened by others like yourself.
Can it get better? Sure, anything can improve.
Do I think it will soon?
No, I don't.