I agree with you. People need to step up the social game for sure. I wouldn't expect to see much engagement over on Steem, but here on Hive it should be different. I was on the fence a while ago about upvoting my own posts, but I decided not to for now. It has been so long since I have self voted that it would seem weird to start now.
You are doing the right things by commenting a lot. People appreciate that. Of course votes matter, but it has to be fun as well.