Dear Sir @elear sometimes it is disturbing when you get some bad feedback or sees bad things around you, just close your eyes keep take breathe and ask to your Almighty that if I am on right track I can't surrender and no one can stop you my brother your work and idea is a milestone for the society and it has great potential, you should run a contest or do something to prevent these asshole frauds who are demolishing a great content for just some bucks and also pinned a message at your discord that you and your projects doesn't require any money or donation by general Steemians and as you describe that they are asking by message and comment it should be down votes and make their account worthless as soon as possible by the supporters of your project and I think we should unite for this to track these type of scroundle and try to punish them and spread awareness regarding this.
In the last but not the least don't be so sad or panic as we all knew it that you are a man of Steel with great soul and strong will power.
God bless you and utopia.
Best wishes.