I think you are missing a big element of what steemit is. It DOES NOT matter if you write a brilliant post if no one ever sees it. Conversely you can write shitty posts everyday and if you are a social influencer your posts will make upwards of $100 per post. The way for minnows to make a consistent $20 per post is by writing good posts like you said AND... connecting and networking with other steemians out there. Unless you are a whale or have a big following the best way to succeed on steemit is through networking and connecting with REAL people