I can honestly say I have never spent a dime on Steem. Every little bit I have on here was earned through providing content that I have to assume some people like. Otherwise I wouldn't have what little I have. I do follow several people and consume their content and vote on their content nearly every time. However, I will absolutely vote on posts from unknown users whenever I see something fresh and new. It's good to have friends and support them. But it's also good to get out there and make new friends and support them as well. Good points made here. It's complicated but it's the nature of the beast. I will just keep putting out my original content and will continue to vote for my blockchain "friends" and newbies alike.