When you said most of us here aren't here for a wage and it's simply a way of mining steem that sums my reasons for being here really well.
I don't have ANY crypto currencies at all, no bitcoin or anything - and I know this is leaving me lacking diversity in my investments (they tend to be quite strange like whisky..)
By building up an account here at least I have my foot in the Crypto door if only a tiny bit! the fact I have actually really enjoyed my time here so far is an excellent bonus - because no doubt I would lose interest If i didn't.
I know I will never reach the trending page because I am not a skilled author nor do I write about "trending" topics, but I am happy doing what I can here and there with random posts about whatever pops into my mind at that exact moment.
Good job on getting into a great opportunity for great reasons. I have a feeling it will pay off for you.