Dude, I totally agree with your sentiments.
I came to Steemit having never involving myself in any of the other social media platforms due to their shallowness. Your statement at the end is awesome buddy and the best advice newbies can get.
I think the key to success here is for people to support one another and not try to step on each other's head go higher. Find good people to work with and build a brand for yourself if that's what you want to do. Support good initiatives by telling other people about them, participate in contests and get to know the good people here on the platform. Just make sure you keep an eye out for the ones trying to poach your brain.
It can take a bit of time to get a foothold and not everyone will be financially successful however if the majority adopt that kind of attitude the steemit will be the most amazing place, and it pretty great already.
Really good post buddy.