Thank you for this comment @the.human.union.

It is a great analogy...the gold one. Yes we are only "competing" against ourselves. What others do is not up to us. We post, upvote and comment based upon what our interests are and strive to add what we can to the blockchain. I can only be myself, nobody else.

Over time, accounts do grow. It seems slow at first but so is everything. Like playing golf, few pick up a club and go out and shoot par. Instead, they whiff a few, shank a few, and dribble some. Over time, we grow and get better.

As for buying STEEM, that is what I did. I, personally, think it a wise move. I believe we are far below what the ultimate potential is. What I like about STEEM is one can buy it, power up, and use the additional SP to increase one's return. This greatly aids in our progress. I never fault anyone for buying STEEM to advance their cause.

Plus it does help out the entire platform by pulling some STEEM off the open market and putting it into SP. Investing in the platform does pays its dividends.

At this moment, I am looking to create wealth with STEEM, hence powering up as opposed to creating an income. I think the overall return will be greater down the road.

Give me $100 STEEM and I know a lot of people will be very happy.