I haven't read all the comments, so these points have likely been addressed. That being said.
The system is not perfect. But that's why new users don't get votes.
It's all about relationships. Discord Servers, steemit.chat, and the comments section of other peoples posts are the best way to build relationships here.
I've made some friends, worked VERY hard on my content, and worked to help other people look good. Now, after a month, I have found some very good success.
In order to appeal to the masses, you can't just write about what you are interested in, unless everybody is interested in the same subject.
it's all about connecting with people who have similar interests, and there is a variety ways to do that here. It's just not as easy as facebook or twitter which is largely based upon real life contacts.
Sure, people at the top game the system, but there's still plenty of room for upward mobility, and it took those people at the top a long time to get there!
Thanks for the comment.
All I know for sure is that if you are a very talented, new writer. You will get big rewards...only up to a point. It will stop. By that time, you've already grown attached to your friends and community. Hence, 'stay for the community'. And you'll find out soon that if you are only here for the money then the platform favors the - early adopters, circle of whales, people with big money to inject to the system. Otherwise, people with low sp will take a while to get to the top as you said, and they will remain with low sp. And the others will get more sp. The economy.
If you are here to write, make friends then good for you. Just the UI / design of the platform is not for the 'bloggers who are here not to make money' but for the community thing.
But let's wait and see. You can keep working hard, but lower your expectations. Goodluck to you.