Agree on the sentiment that we should all be working together, doing our little bits towards a common goal, instead of scrambling for back-pats but I think, like you, there are still a lot of good in Steem (and Steemit) and I'm feeling positive also about the future :D
As for the introduceyourself tag curation, have you heard about @brittandjosie's and @xcountytravelers' curation compilations under @heyhaveyamet publications? I've been following them for a while and I think there might be some synergy here :)
Here is an example of their latest post: https://steemit.com/community/@heyhaveyamet/have-ya-met-the-weekend-edition-please-read-with-us-and-show-the-newcomers-some-love
But yes, I think, with retaining new users, there is a LOT of learning curve with this platform and i think.... if we can help users understand 'reward' versus 'entitlement' and how they can be a great Steemian who gives and takes from the platform in a healthy relationship, that'd be SUPER~ \o/
Awesome post, Cid, I love the message 100% :)