I hear you, I spent way too much time and energy trying to preach to people that their greed was destroying a potentially world changing technology .. and the people that had the power to change it did what was in their best interest, just like they always do.
Are you really surprised that people did what's in their best interest? Humans always do what's best for them. Greed is pretty much a natural incentive. Similar to the need for power. From my perspective, what you're doing is shouting at the water for being wet, not seeing that it could be poured into a glass and shaped. Or in relation to Steem: you want people to behave in Steem's best interest? Then align the incentives that Steem's best interest equals the individuals best interest.