I believe most of us wrote what we call today "crap" but actually I like it, it's not different from drawing or painting, we grow and if we look back we see what we did, liked and tried.

It's kind of sad that the the help to newbies didn't work about but I believe we all experienced it and gave up at a certain point. Years ago I gave all my steem away to help little fish grow... many did and are today those big "fish" while I am basically the same person, which is strange if you consider how long I am here and how many posts and comments I wrote.

I still like to help others but I also notice that too many take it for normal that you help them out and are totally not interested in the person who comments or rewards them.

I am sure there are great people, inspired and happy if you reach out to them and won't forget but they are the needles in the haystack and @patjewell would say: This is your call, this is about you. Don't let yourself be drained or abused (and yes, she learned it the very hard way since kind people are the first who are abused).
Just like our friend, and we already spoke about it, I tell you: solo works (it's printed at a box with matches with a fish on it in my cupboard). All that matters is that what you do, gives you energy and doesn't drain you. If that is the case it's good to step back and rest and have fun and do it your way.

I find it great you took this decision since it's not easy to say: This far, I am done with it.

I wish you a lot of happiness and fun writing.