Yes at some point I totally agree with you @paulag. I agree steemit is a publisher platform, but it has a little function of social media where we can socialize with other.
For me reward is a bonus, while I can learn more to be a writer, because I feel myself is so difficult to transform what is in my mind onto a peace of paper. I do realize that if i want my post to be rewarded I need to have something useful for others.
Steemit just like university for me where I can chose your faculty as I wish, and learn accordingly. I am still learning how to add value to other by producing good contents, when I got nothing I will not put a blame to any one, but myself. I need to be smarter. that is why I learn from the people who has done such great thing on this platform.
final thought:
Steemit is the place mostly for publishing good and valuable contents, and help other author by rewarding their blog content when I thing I can get good thing or value from it. this the place for smart people to be recognized by providing content that can add value and good thing
Regards