When you see posts coming on the platform with hundreds of dollars in the first minute and one vote it is because the people with a lot of steem are voting for each other before sharing kicks in. That money comes out of the reward pool. Essentially, steemit is an investment platform and the idea that you can get ahead without investment is true, but mis-leading as it is extremely difficult. However if you enjoy it as a censor free social media platform it is instantly rewarding. Let's hope it stays that way.
RE: The reward pool is getting smaller. How nice!