This sounds really familiar. I go through these stages with my every post and can relate to your rage when I see what posts get upvoted. Yes, luck plays a big role here but giving up shouldn't be an option.
For me, reading comments gets me high. I know that as a small fish, a certain amount of time will pass before my posts will get more upvotes and more money, but until then, every engagement from others is appreciated. People are reading, small fish people, but still people and those small fish people will become big fish one day and still read.
Keep up the good job and don't get discouraged. 💚