Thanks for sharing your perspective.

if you don't bring in our own SP at the start.
It's going to take time.

This is an important point. Over 2 years ago many people did sink their own capital into steemit. Newcomers don't perhaps realise that. I came to steemit with nothing. I had no expectation and I invested only my time and intention. Other people have ridden the highs and lows of establishing this platform based on real investment and the very real losses and gains along the way.
As time passes I know we need to move away from that point and look to the equity of the platform, if for no other reason than for its survival. But we do each have to consider what it is we bring.
Our accounts are roughly the same age. Up until now I have not been consistently active and hard working, I used steemit as a distraction from life rather than a source of success (I am looking forward to a shift in the coming year, but til now I have just been socialising, but learning a lot at the same time). I haven't taken the time to build a brand. I would not therefore dream of just reaping the same rewards based simply on an entitlement of signing up and expecting that currency will rain down. Too many people expect that in the early days and are disappointed.
But if you do have an idea, a brand, something to share, grow, sell, a passion... steemit is one very useful tool to compliment that vision. But it is unlikely to be the sole place in which it is realised.
Many people use it as a creative space to cultivate creativity, discover potential and share ideas. This is still beautiful to witness, even as times change. The growth and confidence from nurturing potential and seeing people harness that through hard work is wonderful.

Seeing how much small revenue can effect the lives of people in developing countries. That is the greatest accomplishment. A Bangladeshi school for 40 kids in a slum that would not exist without steem, that is incredible.