I recognise the trends you describe. I think I've been on the platform (as a writer) about the same length of time. Definite downward trend lately, but my input hasn't increased - life got busy so it decreased - but I still publish several times a week. My follower numbers have never matched my reads in any meaningful way. I do keep a bit of an eye on things but not in as stuctured a way as you have. It was interesting to read your take on it all.

A new CEO could help if some new initiatives result in more money finding its way to writers, but who knows?