Can Steemit it Payout?... Everyone?

If everyone decided to withdraw their earnings, and start to powerdown, can Steemit pay out?

There is always a lengthy process to get earnings off the platform, and incentive to keep your steem on the platform to whale other posts.

It's hard to build on the platform if your not already known off the platform or haven't been very active since the start.
The idea behind steemit is awesome - a free speech tool - though I feel Steemit has turned into more of a Youtube model where whales control what is being seen instead of through the company directly.

What do you think could solve this problem?

-Waterfirepaper