I'm conflicted about this - featuring posts and bypassing the stake-weighted voting system feels like a step backwards for #newsteem.

• Why hold SP and attempt to trend when you can just contact Steemit Inc and be featured instead ?
• Is there a cost to be featured ?
• Are you thoroughly investigating new projects that ask to be featured - so we don't have (seemingly) "officially endorsed" featured posts for the next dlive or SBI ponzi scheme pinned ?
• Do you now consider the featured posts function as another form of advertising to be sold ?

Featuring the occasional network-wide status update, or major development/fork news is one thing.. Opening it up to whoever asks nicely is another. Please don't overdo this.