The real essence of labour is the harvest. In relation to the forum, the beginning stage is not easy as a newcomer needs to be patient. Atleast for a newcomer they should be getting no matter how little some reward for their resources in terms of time and materials. The harvest is the benefit (merit).
I’m sure what you mean by “reward for their resources”, are talking about merits or signature campaigns? Merits is not to be given out of pity, merit is given to posts that are educative or on-topic.
when I started discussing my activities and involvement in the forum to some people around me about it, the next question is," how much have u earned", I was absolutely discourage as I remained mute till date. I was seen as a mentor until they got to realise that no pay until time "proves u worthy".
I prefer to limit discussions of my involvement in bitcoin to certain groups of people. You shouldn’t position yourself as a mentor if you’re not a veteran in the crypto space. People are interested in where they can make profit, it’s not surprising that your mentees deserted you when they learned you’re not making money. 
