Congratulations, it is good to see quality being rewarded. I think it is all about expectations; when I joined steemit, I did it firstly because it was something different and secondly because I would get payouts. While the monetary part was a great incentive, I never planned on being a millionaire, or even living off steemit.
That's why I am very picky about who I follow, I try to keep a high quality on my feed, regardless of the money involved. I don't vote for whales, they don't need it, while most of the people I follow both need and deserve it. I see my feed as a great place to review and go back in time, learning new things and enjoying great art; for me, it is not just a tool to gain reciprocal upvotes (no circle-jerking!).
As for inspiration and creativity, I guess it comes and goes - it is normal and it should be respected, unless you are dependent on it for your living. Cheers!
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.