It is very “cliquey” but that’s networking for you. Investing time and money into it pays eventually. People use other followers who offer services such as upvoting post and resteeming in exchange for steem. It’s hard networking and investing to make big bucks. I’m sorry you’re discouraged and that your effort hasn’t been noticed. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world. I personally don’t have the power to support ya (only morally) good luck sterner!😬