You are brave.... So so brave to put a lot of money in this.
But, no matter what I think that you did a GOOD thing. I also believe in Steemit and I would do the same if I did not meed the money! Lol.
To answer your question, not that I have enough knowledge btw. I think that if you make the time longer it will not always be a good thing. The short time period of 24 hours also makes people create posts. It just takes time to gather enough followers to really make money I think.