I think this is a really great post! I'm a minnow myself, but quite honestly, its about connections. I mean I've seen the worst post, which are very poorly written-grammar wise-that get $100's of dollars. Granted, they're botted, but most have a community that they're in. So, although quality has a significant role, I think building yourself into a community and trying to promote others, will gain you the most followers and/or upvotes over anything...well, unless a whale notices you.

Anyways, just thought I would share that with you. Just in case you make another post like this, you can emphasize that a little more. Great post though! Seeing post like this only motivate me to post the best possible content, whilst interacting with others, even more!