That is tough news Libertyranger, I actually heard similar stories in the "Pimp Your Post Thursday" podcast on the Steemit Ramble Discord.
Thank you for sharing your experience and good luck to you and your wife.
I can however not quit even tho it seems impossible because of this fucked up whale+witness circle-jerk.
I have to do this and see for myself, I wouldn't even mind making 0 profits as I support the blockchain with this, I just don't want to be stuck in the loss zone.
RE: Steem School Episode 66 - How to Gather Votes as a Witness and Why Your Vote Matters!