These witnesses make THOUSANDS of $ per month for running a server than costs less than $100.  

Are ANY of them doing ANYTHING to contribute to Steem/Steemit, or are they all just sucking up rewards that could go to someone who may actually do something worthwhile?

The majority don't bother to run full nodes.

Most of them don't even bother to post on Steemit.

Here are your Top 20 Witnesses!!!

Hive account@jesta - Thankfully does a LOT and actually contributes.

Hive account@roelandp - Organizes an annual party - big fucking deal...does nothing else... (Hasn't used Steemit in 2 MONTHS)

Hive account@gtg - "working on a better and faster infrastructure" (Hasn't used Steemit in 25 days)

Hive account@good-karma - Runs esteem - Steemit mobile app.

Hive account@timcliff - Decent community guy, but really doesn't do shit...

Hive account@curie - At least they try...

Hive account@ausbitbank - Has a lot of Steem, doesn't do shit besides whine about vaccinations and other conspiracy bullshit.

Hive account@blocktrades - MASTER of ripping off the Steemit community - sells delegation, rapes you on his website, etc. etc. etc.  He also flagged this post rather than reply, saying a lot about his position here.

Hive account@thecryptodrive - Another one who runs a scammy ass service and does nothing to contribute other thank taking your Steem/SBD.

Hive account@smooth.witness - Has never really contributed here other than raping the Steem/SBD market. Donates to a few things I hear?

Hive account@aggroed - Another "community" guy...loves to circle-jerk those who can give him big witness/post votes but deep down inside, he wants to be genuine.

Hive account@lukestokes.mhth - Has never done ANYTHING to contribute other than run a bullshit automated post of transfers.

Hive account@clayop - Supports the Korean community...avoids other races at all costs...

Hive account@someguy123 - Does some development stuff, good.  Runs an account creation service (since Steemit, inc. can't get their shit together).

Hive account@pharesim - Promised some nonsense he never delivered, doesn't do anything now...

Hive account@anyx - Contributes a LOT to keeping Steemit clean from spam and scammers.

Hive account@netuoso - Contributes to many projects around Steemit.

Hive account@followbtcnews - Runs steem.chat and does some community stuff.  Good dude.

Hive account@furion - Another who does nothing and never really has. (Hasn't posted in over a month)

Hive account@pfunk - Recently back in the top 20.  Please do something.

Witness voting is another prime example of the Steemit circle-jerk.  Do some digging, you'll see most of these witnesses with large holdings trade votes in order to ensure they stay in the top while contributing as little as possible to the Steem ecosystem.