Yes, investment is an important part of Steemit, but definitely not the only important one. It seems that quality content, good discussions etc. are being treated a bit poorly. Steemit is made by money-people and favours money-people. But I have had a lot of great interaction none the less.
As for my long break: I have had to pull myself up from the sulphur pit, so my creative energy has been a little low.