Can we develop front ends with unique algorithms that promote quality posts based on engagement and other meaningful yardsticks? Isn't that doable? Won't that change the face of our trending pages?

The most popular social media platforms spend billions perfecting their content sorting algorithm even when votes (likes, favorites, thumbs up, hearts etc) generally reflect honest opinions. It's far more difficult to do this well when votes are generally dishonest here. And it's not just about sorting, it's also about rewarding good content, which this does not solve.

People act badly because that's just who they are. It has little to do with economic policies.

Economic policies have a very potent impact on behavior. If your society rewarded you with $100 every time you drove under the influence instead of giving you a fine and suspending your license, they'll likely be far more drunk drivers.

You have the align the behavior you want, in our case honest voting, with the right rewards.