Hello, @fishyculture. Many thanks for your comment. You were quicker than me! I was a 4-month-old Steemian before I did the cull. :-)
I must admit I don't know the reason for the woman's rep score. Maybe asking that kind of question in a post with a steemit tag may throw up an answer or two from someone.
I agree totally with your attitude to Steemit. It can be quite demoralising when a post on which you have spent a lot of time and effort makes next to nothing (happens to me quite a bit) but like you, I look upon it as an opportunity to improve and grow as a poster.
Take care.