I also got to dolphin with hardly any bought Steem. I also spent quite a bit. So I don't see how this is any kind of scam. We don't need people buying in to get paid, but it can help the Steem price (sometimes).

I have bought some Steem recently as it's cheap, but not a massive amount. I want more influence on where the rewards go and I'll keep downvoting those who try to game it purely for their own benefit.

Steem on!