I think the promoted post thing is a failure too. I was dismayed that Dan didn't add the "vote like a whale" feature which would allow regular users to use their own sBD to add money to posts they really like a lot. This feature is a good one, I think. Some days, I do want to vote like a whale....and I'd spend my own money on it too. This is the model that Synereo is using, by Amping certain posts. For Steemit not to consider this option, is well, lacking in understanding how human nature works. This type of feature would empower more people, and make them feel good, I believe. That's what steemit needs: a way to make users feel good. Right now, people are not feeling good. Emotions are what drives us, and creates value. Perception is everything.