The primary argument for not revealing the algorithm is the people start gaming it. This often makes it worse for the honest player.

From casual observation, if you’re an “emerging” writer, say less than 10K, newer writers get a bump. This makes some sense from a statistical perspective, without it I think a lot of newbies would give up a lot quicker, yet they t created a different self fulfilling prophecy.

I feel your frustration. I currently working on a piece to consider this in more detail.