I see what you mean about discouraging, that's a bummer.

Nothing wrong with joining a community "just to make money" especially when everyone in the community is interested in the same. If you're curating with your stake, you are demonstrating that you are serious about supporting the tribe and community, before it's proven itself. That's a gift that shouldn't be overlooked. Selling some or even all your rewards is perfectly fine, keeping your stake and curating shows your support. Demand should come from the buy side, not blamed on the sell side.

I tend to be optimistic with #bilpcoin, it's young and will mature over time.