This is a good detailed analysis of the system and I think it demonstrates that positive side of down voting: it is the most effective way of keeping the playing field level.
I suspect that someone could even come up with a formal proof of why an upvote-only system is impossible.
What was the rational behind changing the down vote to the flag? If it was to disincentivise use of the down vote, then surely the cost of a curation reward should do that... The flag seems to signify that it is not for redistribution but rather for subjective abuse.
I think it was because "downvotes" were also perceived poorly and we want to discourage their use. The problem with discouraging their use is that people take it far more personally when it does happen.
I agree. This is a lot for regular people like me to take in LOL but I muddle along and do my best even with the discouragement I feel here some days. I also appreciate you taking time to engage with your people Dan. I really do.
Have a great 2017. #FreeRoss
Thank you. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to engage with the community. We all have much to learn.
After I replied here and put the #FreeRoss part in to encourage you, I thought maybe I should send you this in case you did not see it today when I put it up sir. -- https://steemit.com/life/@barrydutton/breaking-free-ross-ulbricht-campaign-donations-hijacked-family-advises-everyone-to-sit-tight-on-donations-for-the-moment
Did you see that he posted the third part/solution?