Speaking as a new user/Minnow:

I've very quickly noticed these issues even without the specific knowledge that helps define it. I'm a guy who is trying to become a writer to some effect but who lacks visibility - something of a challenge I've found here as well. For largely irrelevant reference: I started on Facebook and then tried WordPress to similarly disappointing result. It's less about money for me and more about visibility and actually making a difference; though I can't deny the allure of a financial benefit as well.

To your larger points: the suggestions seem to make sense to my Minnow mind but my caution revolves around the guaranteed minnow payout...I didn't see a mechanism to prevent spamming for the sake of perceived easy money, even if the lack thereof could benefit ME. I've seen a tidal wave of what I would call poor content on here that buries my (in my biased opinion) only-slightly-better content. Language barriers and a poor grasp of written language being my observations. For myself I know I need an editor at minimum to correct my issues.

Just my .00002 steem.