I agree totally that the focus has to be on content not reward. And that you have to work to build a network of your own if you want to succeed, not expect great fortune to just be thrown at you.
I have built in a couple of months to 500 followers, and a reasonable wallet, not through trying for the money grab, but by diligently posting every day a couple of things that people might find interesting. I take my camera with me and photograph things I see and do through a day, and then just talk a bit about it. I try and include interesting information in every post alongside the photos.
But most importantly, I engage with people in comments. I answer nearly all my comments (as long as it is not a "nice post" throwaway looking for an upvote that is not deserved. And ignore pretty much everyone who asks for an upvote or follow.) and find posts that interest me in similar areas to comment on and vote on. This engagement has enabled me to interact and become friends with a number of people from all over the world and I am enjoying meeting them and finding out more about them through their posts.
right on man! same philosophy here. i'll be sure to follow and return the support. thanks for being awesome!