I believe you are following a common curve here on Medium. It seems so many of us do, and many people give up before they see the fruits of their labor.

I've also discovered that, as you grow here, it's harder and harder to keep up with all the amazing work. I've even written articles thanking people for all they do, though I don't have enough time in a day to support them all.

I think most understand that if they stick around long enough we all become aware that this isn't the place to make a quick buck. It's more of a place to make some real writing friends.

That being said, bullying is a thing. Just yesterday a friend told me about some nasty comments on an article. I reminded her that they were putting their crap on her. Humans are strange. :)