The explanation is simplified, and probably not entirely correct. I cannot comment on the exact algorithm, but currently there is a reverse auction process in the first 30 minutes, but after that, the earlier you vote for something that ends up getting a lot of votes (proportional to steem power yes!) the more you get.
Hosting meetups do require a lot of effort. We (BitSpace, founded by my brother @spectral and I) have been trying to bootstrap the cryptocommunity here in Norway. Steem can provides a new renaissance for our efforts now that everyone can easily see the benefits of crypto, besides being a financial technology.
WoW! Great post! I wish I could start doing the same here in my country, so few know about blockchain technology its almost scary.