I'm not quite sure why you think that one will never be a better writer or thinker without input. I most certainly was first published ina bout 1962 and have more or less been thinking my way through life. Nobody taught me any of that. And as I have Asperger's, I don't socialize.

http://bestebookstories.blogspot.com/2012/09/flattering-words.html

https://www.slideshare.net/Awriter/portfolio-7632999

Photos are not clickbait. Photos give a clue to the reader what the story is about. It's a visual clue. I agreed that it uses more bytes from a climate change point of view but at least the photo serves a purpose.

I think if you want discussions, it's probably best to find friends who like to discuss things with.

I hope you find Medium authors who are worthy of your time.