I think we will see a flood of the "old guard" again when alt season arrives only for them to leave again when we go into the next bear market.
The trouble is with increasing rewards will come increasing bad quality content.
Having an ecosystem that rewards with real money is always going to be a compromise but those that understand the multitude of benefits of being involved consistently, through thick and thin, stand to benefit the most.
And like you I am not sure I would still be here without @steevc's support in the early days.
!BEER