Is it a sort of Ponzi scheme? You put in a huge effort and the only people who make anything out of it are the owners?

It seems hardly anyone makes money at this silly game and yet people splash out $5 a month to read it and get into the swing.

Unless you want to write articles about writing (The Tend Best Ways to make a Gazillion on Medium) or self help (13 1/2 ways to improve the size of your.....?) then forget it.

Additionally you seem to have to spend more time "marketing" (clapping and commenting and reading what often amounts to drivel) to attract any readers.

Sounds like you are right to quit.