To be honest I don't think anything that isn't boosted is getting much distribution at all, most of my stuff is tanking so you aren't alone. But like you say it's a mystery what is really going on because transparency is non-existent. Writing through the tough times might not be a crowd pleaser but it's important to do if it's important for you, and I am sure plenty of people appreciate reading not just the fun stuff. I arrived here after the glory days petered out so my earnings fluctuate but also kind of end up the same too eventually overall, I'll likely never earn anything like what many are getting now but I don't have it in me to make the site my full time job either.