As you say it's just not possible to everyone to earn well here. Some will buy votes to get on trending and attract followers, but otherwise it's a long slog. I was here for months before I made much, but I enjoy the interaction and the community. I'm lucky to have built up a good following who support me, but it was also a lot of hours of commenting and voting. I want Steem/Steemit to succeed, but we all have to help that happen and not just concentrate on how much we can make for ourselves. It's already changing, but this is just a hint of what it can be with millions of active users.
But, you are the one who interacted and became part of the community. Many are waiting to be spoon fed.
I agree, there are slight undercurrents that have been forming for the last few months while everyone focuses on the reflections o the surface