Recently i have observed that some new from users are unable to develop consistency in their contributions maybe because they feel that their opinions are not relevant ,lacks quality and many more .
The forum is actually a very tough place ,but the only way to survive it's toughness is when you are consistent in your contributions ,patient and also try as much as possible to eliminate phobia .
furthermore, don't feel that your opinions are not noticed ,they are actually noticed and recognized but just know that nothing good comes easy and don't be discouraged maybe because you have not been merited . However , i have seen some newbies here with 100 activity and 0 merit please don't be discouraged or feel that you don't know how to make quality post ,just know that those post are very relevant and time will come when they will be merited.
lastly, always see the high ranked members as motivation because they where once newbies ,they also made some similar mistakes like you and i but patience, consistency and perseverance brought them thus far. following their footsteps will enable us grow they are here as helpers ,moderators and instructors . sometimes they might criticize your post , don't panic or feel bad just have it mind that it is a way to make you grow like them because when you are criticized you learn more.
I like Everything you have said OP, I'm a newbie so I will speak for myself on this topic (I know most newbies feel the same way too) I always say that our high ranked members are tough and strict (which is good actually) and you must be tough too to survive here. After going through the forum rules carefully I developed a phobia of "less quality post" (I have had my own share of criticism) during my first/second/third month here as I have often seen that shit post are highly prohibited, some times I would want to drop my reply on a thread but I will end up wiping everything I have type saying to myself that it isn't good enough but regardless I ain't giving up, I have learnt to be patient in this forum, and about being consistent, I am always here going from one board to the other reading and trying to understand a few things better before I can be able to fully contribute.