Obviously, I'm very new to Steemit and still trying to understand where I might fit in.

I think a strategy like the one you propose could really help someone get a kickstart into building their wallet, but it begs the question:

Will strategies to build Steem/money leave us with a culture of how to best game the system?

I think the greatest challenge for the platform is the balance of the Freedom of Ideas and the sweet, sweet allure of cold cash.