Firstly congrats to you! And don't apologise, everyone is unique in their own way, and the honesty of this post is quality in its own right.
It seems those with a will and the desire, can and usually do bend good things to their own bidding especially if power and money is involved. Its a sad way of life, and like you I can't stand it.
But the few dollars made here do help, and my commitment is to keep trying to do what this platform was supposed to be for.
All the best to you, and hopefully a few more years from yourself.