Yes, the frustration is always there. As well as in real life - when you put an effort into something, you expect to get a reward for that.
The main risk that I see with Steemit from this perspective is that it will get growth from those who don't provide the best content, but from those get the most money, which is not always the same thing... But we'll see!
My solution for now is to read by hashtags and to read from the "new", section, not the "trending" one
I wouldn't say I'd expect a reward, but I prefer rewards to be given when its deserved, regardless of who it is.
I've also started reading just the "new" section. :)