You make some good points. I disagree with usability. It's not awful hehe.
What I will say is that unless someone with power (decentralized my *ss) starts to sort the upvote trading issue this platform will drive the value of STEEM into the ground. Not only ending Steemit but Dtube.
Right now, you can make a living on Steem not via content, but by spending Steem Dollars for upvotes. With enough Steem Dollars you can beat the cost and ultimately make a return on investment.
It's pretty sad for a content driven platform.
RE: Should you become a full time steemian? - A critical take on the steem dream