So, you’re saying it’s a good thing that only a few communities had the privilege of those Booming votes, while all the others didn’t, where moderators or hosts of contests had to pay prizes out of their own pockets? Sorry to say this, but I see it as centralisation. Isn’t that exactly what 98% expect, for a few to reward everyone so they can have an income?

Steemit didn’t start with this idea, and not everyone is fine with it. Also, I believe that if the same faces show up everywhere, take over communities, and set rules, that is also a form of control, centralisation, and an unhealthy situation for a platform. X (Twitter) is a good example of this.

When it comes to change, why is it always expected that the same people drive it, while others later take the credit or benefit from it?

Has the deadline for SR applications already passed? I wasn’t aware of it.

If you believe nothing will change—that the same people and the same groups will dominate—it sounds like you don’t have much faith in Steemit Inc. On the other hand, I believe that if a platform can’t govern itself, and the current system is as abused as it is, the only option is to try something new.

Positive:

• Communities are treated equally; no need to "subscribe" just to have a chance at a Booming upvote or curry favour with moderators.
• Communities and Steemians can finally focus on a topic/niche.
• Communities and posts will be easier to find—which is a huge plus for everyone, including visitors.
• Steemit will become more visible, and its diversity of topics and nationalities will finally be showcased.
• If comments also receive Booming upvotes, it will only benefit Steemit. What’s good for Steemit Inc. is also good for its users (who still want those upvotes).

Negative:

• The same SRs, the same friends, the same people getting upvoted—no different from SCs that belong to a certain country/community ("us first" mentality next to the fact ). After all, to many, the world is very, very small, and there’s zero interest in others.

Let's see how it works out. For sure the platform can do way better.