It isn't that it is rigged on purpose, but it is setup to where visibility is a problem for new users and the motives for upvoting new-users are few and far between. Votes hold value and at this point, it is difficult to determine what value minnows bring to the table.
New-users certainly have a challenge. I would recommend using the voting bots for visibility. Welcome Aboard.
RE: Is Steemit Rigged? How Do You Make Money On Steemit?