I think many people struggle to see beyond the create a post, get a reward for it closed view of Steemit. It really is not easy to work out how to generate a following or get your work supported, which is why the discords you mention are so important to bring people together and help them learn the true value is in enjoying others posts - and commenting on them.
Of course anyone who has gone to the effort to make and account on here will still be able to come back - it's not like leaving is permanent - just as long as they remember to check back now again to see if the prices have improved!
