You're right about comments. Since I'm a minnow, at this point I'm making more with comments that with my own posts. And I'm not talking only about SBD, but also followers and friends.
Commenting is the best way to connect to people and if you leave thoughtful opinions, it's likely that they will check out your blog. I try to leave my honest opinion about them, not necessarily full of praise like you say, but I try to give everyone the credit they deserve. We all need more positivity and kind words.
It's all about the 3 C's: