It is true that this is a game of numbers, but I also think that if you start as a minnow, this is a game of patience. I am from the same "batch" you belong to (also joined in June this year), but my approach is pretty much the opposite to what you mention: I am definitely the tortoise, not the hare, here in Steemit. I always go for quality as opposed to quantity and don't stress too much about playing the popularity game. What has worked well for me has being:

1. Making quality posts (this is paramount, of course). I usually post only 2-3 times per week but I put a good amount of effort in the writing, researching, picture editing, formatting, etc. This is what keeps people coming back, so even if my article flops and makes only $1.50 after I publish it, it remains in my feed as part of my portfolio (like you said).
2. Only following people I am interested in, whose articles I enjoy reading. Thus, commenting and engaging in interactions with them becomes effortless and very enjoyable. This sounds like a no-brainer, but I think many users chase dolphins and whales to try to get money from them instead of creating their own network.
3. Making meaningful comments in other people's posts. If you actually read the article and deliver an interesting contribution to it using the power of your brain, you add value to such article. People appreciate this and many times they get curious about who the commenter is and click through to see your profile. I have made a lot of followers this way.
4. Related to the previous point, like you said yourself, don't even waste your time on the trending page. Go to the "hot" page and pick an interesting article with a small number of comments. This increases the chances of giving your comment a lot of visibility.

Still, even though my growth is slow, I can say my approach seems to be effective. I have at the moment 168 followers even though I have only 258 posts total, that's one follower gained for each 1.5 posts/comments that I make (which even subtracting the "dead followers", it's not too bad!).

Even though I have published less than 20 articles since I joined, I have made around $400+ of earnings distributed in SP and SD, and earned a reputation score of 54. I have never used any bots or "boosters" (partly because I prefer the feeling of authentic rewards, but mostly because I cannot be bothered dealing with it, hehe).

So who knows, maybe in a year I will be one of those bigger fish with 1000+ (true) followers, a few thousands SP and a reputation of 60+. And I am following you because I like the stuff you write, so... ;-)

Let's just hang in there and Steem on!