Yes. Regularly. Even now.
Then understand that the people you're networking with may not have stake or the same interests aligned with your content. Even the votes I get are like that if not most of what I receive and I'm fine with it.
No, I would not read that at all. And I would not write that either.
Nothing wrong about becoming frustrated after putting in the work but without any good results that come out from it. I get you as I do experience that from other platforms outside Hive. Just saying it's not all content that rules. You also need to consider that your supporters may not have the stake to get your posts with a lot of $ but that doesn't necessarily mean your content ain't good.
You're in an environment where your content or way of networking is inefficient or just too niche to gain traction. Compared to general mainstream art content and music that's easily relatable, yours is understandably unpopular but not necessarily lacking in value. Somewhere out there may be a platform that could suit your niche and give you the audience you may want.
Thank you for the Pizza.