This challenge is part of my interest in Steem. I've pointed out before that most of us do not have a lot of experience with decentralized authority. I know on a personal level I do not.

I think of it of as 20,000 agendas and visions trying to play out. While my vision might be different than yours the attributes I want to bring to the discussions is that my view isn't going to happen, but I might be able to sway some to at least consider my point of view. Freedom takes tolerance and patience. It means showing up when I feel like I have lost a point, and taking the good with the bad.
I personally do not see the bot owners as short-term investors, I just see them wanting to head a different place.
Anyway, I am rambling, I just enjoyed your post and my thoughts have been on many of the same topics although from a slightly different perspective.