What you're saying is true:

I was told that what I write in this proposal doesn't really matter as major stakeholders usually vote based on connections and not what the proposal says.

That’s exactly why I’ve never felt comfortable submitting a maintenance proposal for my apps. Ideally, I’d consider something in the range of 100 to 200 HBD per month, just to cover basic expenses.

However, from what I’ve been reading, I think the total budget you’re proposing is quite high relative to what’s being requested. It would be different if that amount also covered your personal expenses for working on the project.

As for the rate of $35 per hour, it seems a bit inflated to me. I believe you can find options for significantly lower rates; in fact, I myself could offer my services as a developer for a third of that.

In any case, I’m going to support your proposal with my humble vote. I think that, all things considered—given the inflated programming proposals we see every day on this platform—it’s reasonable, and I believe you deserve a share of the work as well.

Unfortunately, most of us Hive developers don’t have anyone’s support, while others charge thousands a day for apps that, with any luck, barely require any maintenance.