If you want to help out in #help, feel free to join. There is myself and a few other volunteers who help out answering questions. The more the merrier :)

The registration fee is how much it costs to create a new account. Most users (who sign up via Steemit.com) don't pay this fee, since Steemit, Inc. pays it for all new accounts created through their website.

I decline payout because I am already paid quite well by the blockchain for being a witness. I see this as part of my witness duties, and I don't want to "double dip" and get paid for my work as a witness and for my post.