I think the earning algorithm and curation work together.

The earning algorithm stands as it is, and curation is about Medium showing its readers what it thinks is awesome.

Because of curation, the earning algorithm gives those stories extra earnings — sure, because it’s viewed by more people and applauded by more people. But, that is, by virtue, as the story is awesome. ( According to Medium and the readers that agree) — I don’t see how that sours the algorithm.

Getting curated is a wildcard in distribution.
(which generally turns into better earnings)