Valuable article, thanks for posting once again.

Another thing that is probably making alot of users abandon steemit , after a few articles, is that they are overhyped.
I had to adjust my expectations aswell. I went from random postings, in hope to "catch a whale" to posting stuff that interests me and iam actually involved in.

After doing that i saw the first results, with money not even being my main motivation anymore.
I just try to have fun, sharing what keeps me busy these days.
Do not give up, and just do what you love. If you aim for the money, chances are you will not make any.