Awesome piece - I pretty much screwed up on all of those when I started. I have noticed this year that the steemit system gives you what you give it. I didnt touch mine long periods of time and didn't get any $1000 posts - LOLZ, it's because I wasn't posting.
One of the hardest things I find to do is making connections - this year is off to a way better start than last year that's for sure.
peace ;)