something you have to remember about communities like this is that you're always going to be exposed to "the best" because "the best" is what gets the lion's share of the attention. especially when they're the ones employing all those strategies you mentioned.
if you want to get to the top tier, you might have to do those things too, and you might have to draw more of the kind of art that gets so popular, but in doing that, you might also risk ruining your passion for your art and your motivation to keep drawing, and that's important both to your well being, and the art itself. people notice passion in artwork, and they also notice when it's gone. I've seen it myself.
I know that feeling of incompetence. of looking at others doing what you do, and feeling like they're all better than you. I've been there too. but if you can, do your best to not let it get to you. try not to worry so much about how many favorites and boosts other artists are getting. just remember the ones that you're getting. the people who favorite and boost and compliment your art. the people who follow you because they like what you do. keep drawing for yourself and keep drawing for them. I think you'll be happier if you do
(this might've not made sense in some places I'm a bit tired