Ah, the days of dismal -- and I do mean dismal -- rewards. And those were in the days when Steem was anywhere from 2 - 7 TIMES higher than it has been recently. I don't think I had any early posts that got absolutely nothing. But that was mostly due to PAL / Minnow Support, which thank God @princessmewmew told me about very early on. I don't know what I'd have done without her.

Her efforts were all the more commendable considering there was a 92% chance I wouldn't be around at all in a matter of months. The attrition rate was that high -- and it may not have improved much, once you factor in the low, low, low price of Steem -- along with some other ... issues.

I admit I haven't been terribly welcoming of newcomers. That attrition rate really discourages me -- and time (as you know) is always such a pressing concern. What I usually find isn't worth the trip, although as you said, there are occasionally a few promising unpolished prospects that could use a lift (Freudian slip ... I typed "could use a life" ... and corrected it. Interesting.)

I will try to check more often myself, although I've just begun rebuilding my SP and it may take a while. But I do have experience and some leverage elsewhere -- and I'm willing to use both. Newcomers who can help raise the overall level of content here could use the encouragement. Srsly. We need them.