The answer to your question will fluctuate depending on the price of steem. The estimated value you see is only an estimate in US dollars, we are really getting paid in steem. It has been hovering around 100 SP for a 1 cent full upvote, it might require a little more or a little less now.

When getting started I found it helpful to just keep commenting, competing in contests, and doing my thing, and eventually get noticed a little more each time (like your recent curie vote!). Before you know it you will have 100, then hundreds of SP.

How long is a mystery of fate as well, it goes a lot faster with those big posts like your last one. Winning prizes, delegations and more followers can also help you advance more rapidly.

But the important thing to note is: you already do give value! it is just less than an estimated 0.005 cents, so usually won't 'move the meter'.

Blessings!