Max,
So what's the problem with Steve mentioning or alluding to the income he makes from this? We all make income from something. Steve happens to make it doing something he is passionate about. That's a good thing; certainly nothing that should be hidden or unspoken. It's not like he flogs the old "I'll show you how to make a fortune showing other people how to make a fortune" line.
As for the suggestion that Steve's offerings are tired and unconvincing, what would be convincing and original to you?
Life boils down to some very simple truths that we have tried to understand and disseminate for centuries. Each of us sees these same truths in a different way. Steve's version will be original for some and too basic for others. Go for what works for you and leave the rest behind, but there's no need to fire shots at someone on your way out.
As David Caradine said, "Everything Furthers."
John
Paintings of British Columbia