The curve does not mean that you have to make $3 or more to receive those rewards. It means with the new curve rewards will look different than they are now, and posts under that amount with decrease slightly compared to what they are now.. that does not mean they will go to zero.

The 16 STEEM number is where it’s equal to where it is now (linear). As you can see by the chart, it decreases from there. At 1 STEEM ( 18cents) the decrease is less than 40%.

So, even under that level, individuals will still see rewards. Plus overtime it should actually increase compared to what it is now (if all the aspects work as intended).

I hope that helps