This is such an interesting question and, I think you've nailed it: people and learning. I could not agree more about getting to know people - like you - in ways that other social media don't allow. I have met/am meeting some very interesting and inspiring people here and whose perspectives are stretching mine.
I love that we all have eclectic interests about which we may not write, but about which we engage through, e.g. @yourtop3 and other places where we might meet in the steemiverse.
Like you, I have to have boundaries, and also like you, it's not been all sweetness and light but, I guess, that's life. In the virtual and real worlds.
So glad to have met you - thanks to Steemit.