I think you have this spot on.
The way I found you initially was through some of your insightful and honest comments and that brought me to your writing. I think taking time to comment is in many ways the forgotten part of Steemit.
A well crafted comment can really make someone else's day in addition to actually forwarding the discussion. Comments are my main way of finding new people to follow - it tells you a lot about the person and can reveal how they think. It is a great way for good thinkers and community contributors to show their true nature.
It is also a mark of character - are you someone who is truly interested in promoting the community or are you just hoping to cash in by "run and gun" posting?
Although a simple praising comment is always appreciated it takes little time and doesn't really show you have read the post. It makes sense for photo posts (like I do) but not for the longer form writing posts.
That said I do enjoy people who do take the time to offer constructive criticism for my photo posts even more than those who just praise them. It shows they are actually taking the time to help me get better.
Even if you really 100% like something it helps to tell the author what you like the most. Both of you benefit from the exercise.
Thank you so much for the shout out. I've noticed a lot of people who take a lot of time to read other people's posts properly and do try to move the conversation forward.
I think people always appreciate that. I am not the only one who does it but it is very kind of you to say so.
If there is one thing that I think your post points out it is that the most important thing for reputation is to be a good member of the community.
It may not be immediately profitable but you will enhance both other people's and your own experience of Steemit.
Earning people's respect is worth infinitely more than a pile of cash.
What most people don't understand is that steem is a social network. It generates tokens by people "mining" (I think term "minting" is more apt for this kind of thing, no?) posts. Attracting new people. Generating good content, and especially a good community. In a setting like this reputation trumps any other resource. This is a lot like slashdot karma.
(Insert the joyoftech stip about slashdot karma here :-D)