Think of it as a "steem (steam) Train". The more fuel you shovel in, the more power you get out.
The quality of the fuel (coal) was a direct result in the power or pressure of the steam. Now put that in relation to
Steem post.
If you choose a produce a low quality post (coal). Who will buy into it it? Will it create enough steem (steam)
for you to get moving. The answer is no.
What you need to do is keep your post (coal) to a high quality and the more people that see the quality of your steam will keep coming back.
As for the price that's the same as any commodity. If you are clever there are a few bargains looking you in the face and ways of getting them.
Minnows eat too
They're not just for eating..