I don't understand the mentality of measuring Medium writers in this way. Top 4, top 10, top 100, who cares?

We write because we have something to say. In some cases (i.e., mine, often) what we say is silly and no help to anybody at all, but we still want to say it.

I'm lucky if I can punch out one story a week. But I'm not here for the fanbois. I'm here to rant, or to poke fun at strange things, or sometimes to blatantly promote my writing.

I have always appreciated your stuff because you write about real, gritty things that remind us all how difficult human life can be. You're doing great, in my book. I doubt I'd have your stamina, and I know for sure I don't have the kind of courage you have to put stuff out there like you do. Anybody who critiques you is kind of a stooge.