The "upvoted cash" (you sprinkle authors with Author Rewards with about 75% of your upvote and get back approximately 25% Curation Rewards, yes) indeed helps you to gain an audience. That's using your Super Power "cash", and using your "Street Smartness" to form relationships. Correct.
On my blog post, regarding SuperPowers, I'm argueing there is no "wrong or right". Look at my "personal slogan Does it matter who's right, or who's left?". It matters what works, I guess, and for you your capital is doing more for you than just boosting your own wallet via direct Curation Rewards. What's happening - for you - is that you are quickly becoming popular amongst a lot of newbie Steemians you "up√ote via @cnts " - that's a very intelligent way of yours to form and build relationships with!
in steem we dream & learn & in turn pass the mantle on.. :} great over view there bro bro :}