That's actually kinda funny coming from you of all people as I'd front paged your robot dance piece a while back without realizing it was Machinarium fanart and I was a little sad when I realized it wasn't all original. But does it matter? I prefer not to promote fanart, but when it's good (as yours was) or when it's giving well-earned love to another newgrounds artist, I'm going to support it. In any case, I'm sorry to hear you're disheartened. The fanart pageview unbalance is not a problem that is native to newgrounds and I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with it.
I prefer original work and its what I make exclusively, but I think you're forgetting that all artists make work in dialgue with art history and their own past and passions, and I don't think it's fair to other artists to say that they make fanart just for the pageviews. The things I nerd out about tend to be stuff like obscure amphibians and balladry from two centuries ago and I do make pieces in reference to those things I am passionate about. But who am I to throw stones at someone who is drawn to Space Ghost or Ryan Gosling or Pokemon instead? Artistic innnovation happens on the edges of genres and if they can deal with whatever their subject matter is cleverly and creatively, I'm all for it.
Cairos
I understand your frustration but as I've learned, it's best to know the artists as individuals rather than judge them by their work at face value. Majority of the time, these folks genuinely have alot of enthusiasm for pop culture and are great to converse with. They absolutely love making the things that other people love. It's a different type of recognition but it's still recognition.
You work hard dude, I know because your stuff is frikkin' good. I want to see alot more original stuff be recognized here more too, but as of right now, any content that brings up the views and interest is what's stabilizing this place.
Luckytime
That's why I don't want anyone feeling singled out, because I know they work hard on what they do. I'm more trying to spread a value that I hold while using others as non-specific examples. I also feel like they're perpetuating a culture of copying instead of creating.
I want newgrounds to be the most badass place for artists because it promotes a sense of collaboration instead of individual success. I can't say much about the business side of things because I don't know enough about that, but If more people put as much effort into their fan work as Alvin Earthworm for example, then I would have no problems.