For a lot of people, what you're doing will be a huge help. A single upvote can do a whole lot of good!
That said, I'm also in agreement with you about the whole user engagement thing. It's nice to get followers, but that conversation, that back and forth? That's where you really find yourself growing your network. Those followers you engage are more likely to share your posts with their followers, who will join the conversation and help you grow.
It kinda feeds itself, you know?
True. It's hard to interact with people if they don't leave a comment. I actually earn more on comments now than on posts :)
It's true! A lot of times, comments can be just as fruitful for a minor as their posts.
Comments tend to be much more valuable than posts until you get a nice amount of followers, @ddrfr33k ;) Some good comments can get you a few dollars, which is pretty difficult to get for a minnow that makes a post. And a post requires a lot more effort than a comment as well.