The problem isn't with getting a few extra cents here and there. The larger accounts are able to allocate 10's and 100's of dollars per upvote, and if they wanted to they could direct that all towards their own comments and posts, which in the current system would actually give them the most "bang for their buck". Which is exactly why I think things need to be tweaked...
We want a system that incentivizes helping others while also helping yourself.
That's why I think point 3) is the way to go: Increase the curation rewards!