I've been here since Nov. 2015. Before that if you count my reading only phase.
I was 65 then. The prime of life!
Def agree about the partner program. Before, it was the random musers, storytellers, techies and math geeks. Making connections. Sharing joy and sorrow. Making each other laugh.
Now, as you say, we are dominated by how-to-make-big-bucks-on-Medium, with the occasional I'm-leaving-Medium-because-my-follower-list-is-shrinking piss-and-moan session. To which I say if you'd stick to writing what's worth reading (which is why I followed you in the first place) you'd gain followers. And don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out!

OK thank you. I've had my little rant! Keep up the great work NE!