Yes, sadly that is how steemit functions. That is unless you have the continuous support of the 'big' people. You will get those one or two time hits from curie or ocd to encourage you to stay, but I've seen plenty that receive those big hits and still leave because they get pennies after. That's why it becomes a must-do to join a community to receive support and even then, the support might be minute. No way around it from what I know right now. All we can do is continue to support one another as we grow, even then, only so much us small people can do.