I think you said it best when mentioning the need to invest in Steem big time, and then you will reap rewards. Most people can't do that. But if they don't understand that dynamic then they get jaded if their dreams were to make the sort of figures you see on the trending page.
So yes, promote for the community, or blog or other key points. These are all good also. But those $$ on each post can be like a drug :)