I think @aggroed said it quite well: "Keep going and build strong relationships". Create high quality content. Make connections by adding relevant comments to other people's posts (how'd I find my way here again?!), and don't focus so much on the money. Many of us were here doing our thing, earning more than facebook or twitter has ever paid, even with STEEM at 10 cents. For me, it just means an even lower "tax basis" for my "long-term investment" in the platform! ;)
You really didn't mention whaleshares and its related initiatives (Whaleshare Discord Chat Invite), which also seek to help people better connect with one another. Plus, there are also many chances to win some WHALESHARE tokens for free, which, if used wisely on your best posts, can give your post a nudge that may bring it to the "hot list" and gain more traction.
However, if you try to "boost" poor quality content, you're wasting your time, money, and reputation using any voting "service", and the self-regulating aspect of it will be that you'll find yourself on a pricey "fast-track" to low reputation and few followers.
Finally, I also highly recommend reading this recent post by @luzcypher, which offers a unique and interesting perspective on STEEMIT as a "gift economy"...
When you study some of the more successful people on Steemit you'll notice that their focus is not so much on what's in it for them, they are more about what they can do for you. That's how gift economies work.