So... the "algorithm" accounts exactly for human nature is what you're saying. It's simple: reward things that people like ubiquitously, like shitty memes and those dumb-ass wholesome whatevers.

Browsing /r/askhistorians is like reading a light novel in the afternoon, nobody's got the attention span for that. The algorithm (which doesn't really exist on reddit, not the way you think) should, by all reason and logic, reflect the human tendency to just appreciate bit-sized shit over deep, engaging stories and lectures.

The real equalizer will be the kind of brain augmentation that allows anyone to comfortably engage in long or complicated content. Until then... don't expect the equivalent of a university lecture to receive priority treatment.