Have you tried diversifying your writing platforms? too many people chase the wrong things here on Steemit. I hope some miracle might happen some day and this place would prioritize visibility more than the number below the posts..
You are right with the "vote!=quality ". Have a manual vote from me!
I'm not sure if there is a wrong thing to chase. Money, audience, community, what ever the platform allows, and what ever the people want. There is so much different aspects to this site, non better than the other, because we want and value different things in life.
For me the line is crossed when some asshole can pay 1 steem to a bidbot and get voted 1.2 steem in return. I've seen great Steemians leave because of this issue.
I still believe though, as much as i can. Because I can't find anything better than this.
You either play or get out of the game, that is what it all boils down to, in my opinion.