I agree with what you are saying 100%!
I am at the point where I would rather find a new upline then to provide any financial gain to the people above me! I have contacted the 2 levels above me and gotten nothing back from either of them!
My technique that I will be using to try to keep people on board is to place some of my recruits under them instead of directly under me. Comission is the same, and it keeps that one person plus anyone else that they may bring in, in the downline also. It's always encouraging to have someone under you, you are less likely to opt out when you are being paid!