Those points would have indeed helped me when I just started, however you indeed progressed quite quickly, it took me significantly more.
I've also just recently joined Steemit myself and I find the community to be really chill for the most part, however I guess you won't really be into the stuff I post about :) it's about gaming, but adding a touch of literature/philosophy there as well now
RE: My first and a half months on Steemit- From 25 to 48 rep! With 0 investment!