Thanks for the post @spiritualmax. Navigating the garbage on the Blockchain is a lot easier thanks to post like yours and it's always refreshing to see some direct communication and opinions on the topics - thank you!

I've just voted for some witnesses (https://steemit.com/~witnesses) for anyone who's reading this and wants to do it as well.

I like that you've got 4 criteria which make a good witness and you're willing to let one go if the others are there. I think this is a pretty effective approach, no one's perfect and just because someone is manipulative doesn't mean they are bad for the platform. Sometimes good people with good intentions choose to indulge in manipulative tactics to create impact, I'm often paralysed by these kinds of contradictions so I applaud anyone who acts regardless.

Thanks for your post and the refreshing opinions - I appreciate it!