The amount of money you earn here when you're a minnow is far to low to keep posting quality posts. Unless you're being noticed which is still a long shot. That's the main reason why so many left/are leaving.

I think we really need to ask the question: Why would a newbie join Steem?
Earn good money? Probably not without an investment.
To have fun? There are more than enough social media platforms for that.
No censorship? Maybe. Unless you get destroyed by a much bigger account that does not take criticism.

Dont get me wrong. I do think Steem has potential. Its just damn difficult to find a good balance.