I dont think steem is a scam, but your observations about people have multiple accounts or colluding in groups I agree with... for me, its just becourse the system doesnt have enough decrentralization yet and not enough quality content and quality curation.

This will properbly come later...

for myself, I try to only bring original content, or link in the open to original content... I have not made alot here, but I try to build a real reputation, not just being a suckpoppet of a whale or dulphin... if I will succeed or not, I dont know, but I think Steem will succeed in the long run.