Your post relates to something great here #steem
Yep, people are posting less when prices are low which is a massive opportunity for those looking long to build their accounts. This doesn't necessarily mean posting more though. At the moment, there is effectively less competition in the pool as those who are sunshine users (only post when prices are high) disappear like bears in the winter. For many who keep posting, the quality drops because they just don't think it is worth putting effort in for the reward returned but, the bots and automated content continues. This means, real and good content has more chance of being seen.
Steemians tend to forget the first step is post.
Reward comes after 7 days.
You said it right consistency is right and will bring you home.
Happy for you you reach that milestone at 21000 SP.