And just like people are free to use their stake as they wish, when I see people misusing their stake to the detriment of the system, investors need to step up.

That's the challenge my friend. I've maintained for the two years that I've been on here that our biggest hurdle is not technology, but culture. As long as we have short term thinkers thinking in scarcity the shift is extremely difficult.

As much as I haven't particularly enjoyed the bear market, I'm also somewhat grateful for it. It's served as purifier of intentions. Those who are still here, even those who complain often, are the ones who actually care. The biggest leeches are gone.

Yes, I'm sure when the market turns around, when STEEM his $1 we will get the typical:

"Hey guys... long time without posting... I've been bla bla bla upvote and resteem" post.

But as you said, its up to us to be more conscious of who we support, and literally remove ourselves from supporting fair weather steemians who powerdown constantly.

I think if more whales had your disposition towards this challenge we would be doing 10 times better, but it seems like some of them want to have their cake and eat it too. I don't need to mention names, I'm sure.