It is very sad, Dixie. If this is in fact true. It is hard to believe that they are not punishing engagement. Maybe Tony was really just referring to people not being able to comment more than 100 times per day, that was introduced recently, but he didn't specify that. It sounded like anyone who engaged too much would be seen as cheating the system.
Like you I only clap and comment on stories I really enjoy, and yes, we were told that engagement would be rewarded. At least my last two articles have now earned some money ... just over 50 cents each., so that's a start.