Actually you are incorrect. I came into this site with zero Steem, no Dollar investment, no friends, nothing. Zero. Zilch.
I posted 2 times day, one in morning, one at night for 4 weeks in a row. I'm now on the richlist.
While i am not a whale, I certainly am a fatty dolpin. it can be done. But you need to put forth tremendous effort. I'm a writer anyway, I've been a writer, artist and YouTuber for like 10 years, so it was a no brainer for me. You can do the same. It is your choice.