Saying money is not important is what people say to make themselves feel better. It is highly important, even when you are in societies without money, you barter with stuff.
It doesn't buy happiness, because happiness is a choice.
I agree that it is very important to steemit. If it were not for steem currency most people would not be here, there are easier ways to blog and create communities, on platforms that are better designed for creating a community, but they don't pay you as easily...