I really like the feedback you provide. However, you may be jumping to premature conclusions. I DON'T KNOW! You've been doing this a lot longer. But, I can only offer my feedback as a mirror. Together, the suggestion is also feasible that a natural rhythm is at work. Maybe in conjunction with your hiatus, of course. But my stats took a nosedive too, and I have only increased my daily production, often from one piece a day to four or five. My one viral piece suddenly stopped dead cold in the water. While a couple of sub-viral pieces are chugging along. All this to say: I really can't conclude anything, except that your proposed solution is correct: Keep on, keep on; Engage, engage, engage. For myself, obviously I need much more time and many more stats to offer any advice at all. In the meantime, I can only say, I haven't had this much fun in a long, long time!