Agree with you on this. Steemit is a decentralized platform and the concept itself speaks. Users should be guided but given the freedom to create their own path. Felt bad after seeing some of the comments made on newcomers, they are being discouraged not guided.
Also, good articles should be accepted even though they are not from your personal experience.
So I really appreciate the service you are doing with the Sri Lanka community helping newcomers and also giving value to good articles.