@jaybird and you are spot on. Nobody explained to me either how the "success mechanics" behind Steemit work. It's something we all have to find out for ourselves. But yeah, networking and quality posts are a winning formula I feel.

And we have to bear in mind, this is only the situation at present. Thing will change drastically next year regarding functionality and structure of the platform. So establishing one's self at this early stage, no matter how much of a "grind" it may be, could turn out a very wise move in the end.