introducing a watchdog group.
Perhaps this is what has been lacking to date. Freezepeach attempted to counter flags flown unfairly, but was not funded nominally and has lapsed. The money is in the scam, not countering the scam, so this is an uphill battle that must rely on people, not money. The vast majority of the community of Hive isn't in favor of whimsical blacklisting, but is also not very aware of it, as only the followers and those blacklisted are directly impacted.
In the event this is done, and I am capable (which is presently not predictable) I will be extremely interested in making it happen. I share your understanding of the potential of Hive to enable communities to govern themselves, the DV has rendered moot.
https://peakd.com/hive/@khrom/why-downvotes-contradict-decentralization-a-mathematical-perspective
Keep me posted please. If I can remain online I will be attentive.