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Honestly this is simple IMO. You need to power up everything at the start. Once Steem is powered up you earn an inflation factor on your SP, that is it's slowly growing at all times. You will have a larger vote to reward others with and stronger you vote become the more people will pay attention to you...sad but true. More you power up the more people will respect that you are here for the long term and be willing to help you. It's a good sign that someone plans to be here tomorrow and your efforts won't be wasted when they are powering everything up vs letting it all build up liquid which can be pulled quickly.

Naturally do what you think is best, but if I was starting a new account today there is no way I'd leave liquid earnings sitting around doing nothing. Power them up and help yourself grow faster.