At the end of the day, if the content we're presenting isn't engaging and relevant, then neither is Steemit.
I follow you and engage with you because I find you interesting and relevant. The Steem and Steem Dollars are pertinent, but it can't be the end all, be all. Without relationships, none of this means anything.
Sure this is what we want to convince ourselves. Let's be blind to the other realities.