Both are very useful tools, I know some see it as a competition especially in the Engagement League, but they are really about making use of a free easy and convenient tool. I think I am approaching my week 38 in the Minnow League. I just made it to level 2. many would look and see that as pretty slow progress, I look and see steady progress.
I won a few games, got a few nice curies, and sold a lot of steem monster cards, but by far the most progress has come from just trying to keep a steady rhythm that will not lead me to burn-out or crash-and-burn.
A bit slow but steady, and the leagues help me with tracking that progress. I have no clue how much steem power I had 4 months ago, but I know where to go and look it up.
Slow and steady wins the race and you are doing just fine. The Curie votes are a great bonus and just give you a boost. You will make it sooner than you think as it does start to speed up.