This is far easier come to a conclusion by just using already existing data.

There are many websites that make a living for their owners.

The Survival Podcast http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/
Stephan Molyneux FreeDomain Radio - https://www.freedomain.com/

Both of these sites pay out more than anyone i know on Hive / Steemit gets.
Unless you are talking about Jeff Berwick back in the insane days of Steemit.

These sites also took many years to build their following and their cash flow paradigm.

So, yes, you can make more money and get more eyeballs by using many other sites.
Use all the social media and get people into a sales funnel.
Lots are already doing it.
The only thing is to keep people coming back.

Now, the advantages of Hive are many

1. No capital outlay to start your blog.
2. A community of freedom minded people.
3. Small payout with almost no investment.
4. No need to keep track of people / emails.

To me it is a perfect place to practice and get in the habit of writing everyday.
And if you mess up, you can start again.