Thanks for replying respectfully.

I'm a programmer for more than 20 years, so I sometimes use jargon like "reference implementation" which I should probably explain. I do not mean Steemit is "just a test platform." A reference implementation can take many forms. The main bitcoin QT wallet, as an example, is also a reference implementation of how to interact with the Bitcoin protocol. Steemit is an example of what's possible on STEEM and it's doing a fairly good job of it, based on Alexa ratings, but as you've said, it's struggling lately.

That's a really good question you asked. Why are you here? I think everyone should ask themselves this. Some never do and wonder why they are so frustrated with things because they've never stopped to analyze their own motivations and goals.

What I can glean from your answer is it is all meaningless.

I strongly disagree. Please read this post and the three posts I reference there (especially the one on relationships): #SteemitIsToMe: Relationships, Reputation, and Rewards.

Everything done on the STEEM blockchain is available to every platform on the STEEM blockchain. I could be replying from Busy.org or my local computer or who knows what. It's not about Steemit. It's about the blockchain and the opportunities it creates for us all. Those relationships will still be there, even if fewer people use the Steemit.com interface to view the STEEM blockchain content and instead use a different interface.

I don't think this is all just a test and I do strongly disagree with wealth extraction (see my post I referenced about that).

I don't agree with treating anyone like a lab rat. Scroll through a few months of my posts and see how many meaningful comments I get. I've built some very meaningful relationships here that are very valuable to me, and I've had many people tell me how much I've helped and encouraged them.

So again, you asked a good question: What are you here? Is it to build community or something else? If it's community, did you succeed in that goal? Do you have people who you enjoy engaging with and have you built real relationships?

I think it's overly pessimistic to think, as an early adopter, you're a "lab rat." Not at all. We are pioneers. Frankly, lots of people have a massive sense of entitlement and it's kind of annoying.

We can do better.

Know why you are here. Be here for that. If Steemit, Busy, STEEM or whatever isn't what you expect it to be, then talk about it like you are doing here. Let's work together to improve things. We aren't lab rats. We're the early adopters who get to tell future Steemians "Back in my day..."