I've actually read the Steemit white paper (mostly...  once...)  and I got bogged down trying to grok - or appreciate - the rewards/payoff/upvote scheme...  Since then I've become more aware of the various ideas people are considering on the subject of 'incentives' - and I can see that it is a pretty complicated and difficult - and necessary - subject.  

Some ideas may sound good, but don't work in practice.  Other ideas don't foster the creation of worthy content..  for example: rewards for constant posting...   but then, rewards for constant posting does give incentive to posting ... and maybe the poster is actually worthy, even if they themselves don't think their 'minimum publishable unit' is worthy.

I agree - it isn't worth chasing votes.  Making new connections is what life is really all about...   but making money is necessary too...

Though I am fairly a newbie (even though I signed on early), I have come to realize the same thing.  Just post because that's what you want to do.  

When someone upvotes, great...  check them out... maybe you have a common interest and would want to let them know when you post something they like.

BTW, I like to post on a variety of subjects..   If that turns someone off... bye bye..