Hey there!
I agree with you on that this is for getting to know others and communication as well as for funding project, ect.

The payout is what it is. You can't really complain when you are getting paid anything for any content on a social media platform.

At least with Steemit you don't have to worry about censorship or them pulling your content (like youtube!).
Happy New Year to you and yours!
JGV