I personally bought in 195ish Steem by spending BTC I earned from Bitcointalk Ad-campaigns. Double value added! hehe.
But yes, I think we need more people using it and the signup system should be something that makes people want to sign up. Getting that 5 steempower is a decent incentive I supposed, but to make that back for a total newbie likely won't happen for months unless they comment on big articles where whales are. I think that is the underlying issue that all the minnows have to go to a whale post and try to get noticed because it is more profitable than to make your post or to comment on other newbies posts.
And here I am proving that! But I do comment on a lot of stuff made by not so big people hehe. Also, hi!
It takes a while to build up a network, for sure
you will have LOTS of quality posts that drain down the Memory Hole in the meantime. but keep writing, commenting, and making friends
;>