I hear you. I believe putting the language issue to the Medium team could be a good idea. In my experience they are very receptive to hearing what writers want.

And yes, there's over-editing to fit the boost requirements. But no, when it comes to nominating essays that are worthy of a boost, there's no competition due to 'clogging'. We will nominate every single one that is worthy. I've also got essays boosted by those for whom English is a second language and imperfect. If the writing is good, ie the narrative and the ability to tell a good story, minor errors can be fixed and it will get as much of a look-in as anyone's work.