Hi Robert. Yes it is a real shame. I'm sure you know I watch your Dtube content when I get the chance, but these days I've been quite busy on various projects. I haven't even made that many videos myself.
On taking a break, there's nothing wrong with taking a back seat for a while to be honest. It will probably refresh you.
In terms of rewards, Steem is more about networking than the quality of your content. Which is why you've correctly observed that some people get more than others regardless of quality/effort/otherwise.
I think it has gotten a little better though, since NewSteem. A lot of the smaller accounts make more than they used to make, and most of those highly paid posts get downvoted to much lower by the time the payout day comes.. depending on the content.
Hope you're well bro.