RE: For the new Steem users - Tip 1
Seems complete common sense to me. Just saying "nice post", though it may be meant as a genuine-enough compliment, adds nothing to the sum of human knowledge, and I wouldn't dream of doing it myself. On the other hand I can think of reasons why people might be perceived as going through the motions when that's not necessarily what's going on. If a working person can spare maybe only 30 minutes or less per evening out of busy lives, and yet know it's a Good Thing to comment for example, it doesn't leave time to watch or read and offer an less-than-insightful response. Others may struggle with the content, for language or other reasons, or simply not be very articulate in writing.
That said, your insights based on experienced are appreciated by this newbie. Having mooched around here for a while prior to beginning posting I was beginning to wonder whether it really is worth commenting, so it's good to hear your confirmation that it is. Maybe your 10:1 rule is the thing to bear in mind.
Looks like this is going to be a series, so I'll be looking out for the next episode.
There is such a thing as the "unwritten rules" of Steem. Maybe those who have been here for a year or so would not only agree with me on this one, but would be able to recite them as if they were the authors themselves... which would be both funny and creepy! hahahha
In any case, as much as its anecdotal, the fact that you won an upvote for participating of this conversation with me, you will find other older users (steem time, not life time) who reciprocate in this same manner and those who don't... well, they are probably still trying to figure out how this reciprocity, kindness thing works.