Thank you for this post, I definitely agree. Even in situations outside Steemit, I've seen that talent can get you far. But real determination and perseverance will get you beyond that.
I think what sets the two apart is that the latter always sees room for improvement and works their way towards it. If you are talented or gifted from the start, the temptation to just settle is quite strong. At least that's my opinion.
Having just started Steemit, I've already had posts that barely got any views or upvotes. I could have stopped or given up, but I know no whale or big player here ever got to where they are now without starting from the bottom.