Steemit can very addictive once you get around the platform. There is a lot to learn yes but take it step by step. Learn something new everyday. It can be very overwhelming to take everything in at once. So step-by-step but surely moving forward. I think you are on the right path.
As far as the challenge you are facing. You don't have to sift through the all the crap. Simply use the search button at the top right, next to the "pencil" icon for writing a new post. Then type your niche of interest and then voila. All the posts you are interested in will be right there.
Tags are very useful in steemit. Use them more often.
Yes, I agree, it already has been a little addictive..lol. As you said, I'm taking things step-by-step and learning something new everyday.
Thanks for the tips!