"because the product serves no purpose, other than to make the user feel good for 5 seconds"

What's wrong with a product that makes one feel good? It's the reason there are a dozen or more game systems and thousands of games for each system. It's the reason that "funny cat videos" on youtube make a lot of income. Still informational videos, if done well, also make a good income and receive a lot of views. People need BOTH types. Sometimes I want feel good, make me laugh, types of content and other times I seek out informational, teach me something, content. It really depends on my need of the day. I don't think there is anything wrong with "feel good" content.

Where I think the trouble lies is that when people see the "feel good" content making more money they stop creating informative stuff and we lose out. The venue isn't the issue, people worrying about their views is the issue.

I myself will write what I write here or elsewhere and hope for the best.
Now do I think that Steemit will last for years to come? Who knows. I've written content for many a site that claimed I would get paid only to have it go down in flames. But I've also seen sites like this last for some time and help content creators make some actual money for what they do.

I didn't think YouTube would go anywhere for a long time but boy it is sure still humming along. So I for one am excited to see where Steemit goes and I'm heading along for the ride.