It's not surprising that you didn't get much response if you choose to follow and comment on accounts based on their rep and HP. That is a classic newbie mistake and since you've been around for a long time you really should know better!
In real life you would want to make friends and mingle with those who have similar interest to you. You don't suddenly go and befriend the rich and famous for no apparent reason. The same applies on Hive.
Active engagement is great, effective engagement is even better!!
of course you are right.. that is how life works. except that I thought we are all hivers here and there is no real.. 'your group' or 'my group'. no 'newbie group or only dolphin or above club.
and also, i am happy that even a few of those initial 'high ranking' hivers that I tried to engage with, like daltono, HAVE allowed me to become their friend on hive and it's not that I stopped or removed any of the hiver 'newbies' I usually talk to. In fact, I enjoy helping and engaging with new hivers and don't mind if it takes time or results in lower curation or whatever..
also, your last statement is so good and right on! I try and be friendly and genuine and thats the best way I know how to be effective.
🙂🤙