We have similar curation earnings currently. I too enjoy the simplicity and low pressure of earning via curation. And I do enjoy the aspect of rewarding others. It feels good, just like it feels good when I receive a vote.
I like rewarding new users too as you mentioned. Though you said you do it less now.
Is there a reason why you are doing less rewarding of new users?
I don't do new users as much because I don't have the time to keep an eye on them. I follow Curangel voting trail and the curators there do a pretty good job.
I stay away from people who withdraw all their earnings all the time. I might give them a comment vote here and there or maybe a 10% but otherwise I don't vote them at all. The constant withdraws is what keeps the downward pressure on hive price and that's not something I think new people should be doing. This isn't an ATM, people need to be smarter with their money.
Yes some people need it for various reasons but I haven't found a way to verify they are needing it versus just lying so I stay away from them and find people who do a good job at content but also keeping their rewards mostly on the chain and in their account.