It would hurt, especially after I have spent so much time creating a quality post, but it shouldn't stop me.
It should not stop you, especially if you believe in the content you produce for the long term. This is the grind and I and many others have been through the grinder also. Not many seem to survive it.
Yes, the grind is what will set those who didn't give up from those who did.
Just to let you know, your thoughts are very profound and it was so refreshing for me to see a real quality post in my feed. And I see that a lot of people really read and discussed it.
That would be the goal... That one day, I'll also be able to do the same (not just for my own sake but for the whole Steemit community as well).