You wrote a good response and I agree with everything. My understanding is that Medium has already banned all articles from boosts except those published in their pre-approved publications. Only 10% of articles on Medium are in publications and the boost program includes less than 10% of publications. Their end goal remains unclear, but they are manipulating things to restrict fair compensation for articles to a very small and closed group of writers. Meanwhile, they boost and promote as "staff picks" their friends. They are lowering the quality of Medium and that seems to be their intention.

I'm sure you saw that Dr. Yildiz has quit the program as I did.

https://medium.com/illumination/i-withdraw-from-the-pilot-boost-program-intentionally-to-create-better-outcomes-for-the-community-7096b0411fc7

But I hope you will continue as one of the only publications in the program with serious content. Did you nominate my Cavell article for a boost? I'm sure they would reject it if you did because they are terrified of anything remotely controversial. Regardless, keep up the good work and let me know if I can help you in any way.