If I didn't have a day job then I might put more effort into building a brand here, but the likely returns would not be much more than I get. Others make a lot more on every post for whatever reasons, but I don't fret about it. Hive is tiny and it helps to know the right people but if it scales up then it could change.
InLeo has the subscription thing that offers an alternative way to earn, but I don't know how big it is. People need to try different models. The great thing about just voting is that it doesn't cost you, but you can earn from it. Meanwhile Patreon, Onlyfans etc do well from people spending their money. There doesn't have to be just one way to do things.
Right, as I say in the post, what works for others might not suit you and vice versa. Many options :)