That is true. People's initial imaginings don't always correspond to the reality here, and the "Big Boys", so to speak do seem to have a club, but if a person can find a way that works for him/her, and there different ways, he/she can do all right.

The one magnificent post approach is probably the surest path to disappointment. Like you said, commenting can be a way in. Posting good, original pictures everyday works for some people. Reaching out to authors you really connect with in a genuine way can be helpful. Organizing contests or participating in chats is a good way to meet people and get started too.

For me, I dabbled with a few ideas, but found that writing about Japan seemed to be of the most interest to people, so I've focused on that. I think people need to approach Steemit like it's their own personal business. They need to evaluate the time that they have, the way their product (content) is doing, and make goals so that they can tweak their product and have something to work towards.

Either way, even for small rewards, it can be a lot of work, just not work in the day-job sense of the word. It's hard to say what the "Big Boys" are really doing with their time, but I think many of them are busy working hard on crypto projects and doing things for Steem. I don't know for sure, though, and I understand the feeling that they are "cheating" the system.

Anyway, this has been a fun little interaction. Thanks!