I think you know me by now. I do read a lot and always comment. Also, I may read and not vote, if I'm suspicious that I'm not reading the work of a real person, but I'll comment on that, and If I read something that I utterly dislike, I only comment if I feel the discution will be fruitful. So, You can count on me to go around and vote and comment. As for what I can do to stimulate others to do it, it only works if they are interested in taking part in the conversation. Sometimes, it's like talking to a brick wall.
Anyway, you are totally right about the importance of building bonds and I'm pretty sure you know a lot more than me about steemit's economics, but I haven't gotten to that part yet. For now, I'm mostly worried about getting myself into the group and learning about the people. The economics will come later, I'm sure. For now, I just follow the lead of a couple of persons I've learned to trust. You included.
In any case, I felt a lot more movement around here this week than the last. Let's see if it keeps up that tendency.
Have faith. If you get good people, things will grow naturally.