you need to understand that both timing and luck will play a major role when it comes to getting a highly rewarded post
...but mostly luck. And high quality content, with luck. And mostly luck. And knowing your niche and luck. But, mostly luck with being very active in the community by commenting and replying to post. However, you'll need luck.
Well.. I wouldn't say that you need that much luck, but you definitely need luck. - If you approach steemit properly, you'll also work hard to maximize your chances. So you work towards your own luck so to speak.
However, luck is obviously a key factor. Especially in the beginning. But there's plenty of things you can do to increase your overall experience and these things won't go unnoticed. - Sooner or later, someone will pick it up. That being said, after HF19, you don't really need whale votes as much as you did prior to HF19 to reap rewards. Although, you won't be able to reach thousand dollar posts without whales.
That, I'd agree on! :)