If a post makes you 10 cents, but you gain even 1 follower. It's a victory really.
That is true and even that 10 cents could be worth a lot later on as the price of Steem rises. I remember when the price of Steem was 4 cent and those who powered it up and continued posting are happy campers now.
There is also something to be said for momentum which is hard to achieve without daily, or almost daily posting.