This is about what I’d write as well. Brandon, you have written a great strategy there, putting the name out there with a link (and that link can be pointing to anything you like, almost on a per article basis). Which, I think is a great idea. It could also be your profile picture as well with a link embedded in it. That’d kind of solve the author display problem even without Medium staff doing anything about it.
I also agree with your approach on the tag. At least that is how I have found or continue to find great writings. Following tags is a good way, IMHO, to find great articles on Medium. While Medium is not my only source of information and it will never be, it is a decent place to find great articles to read.
I understand here the focus is on “articles” or “longish texts” if you will, rather than individuals to be followed. As long as I get a continuous stream of good lengthy texts that I can follow, I am happy with Medium.