I think small and growing Vtubers need to hear this. As I certainly needed to hear it when I first started.
Do not, in any circumstance, ever compare yourself to more successful Vtubers, even ones who started after you and blew up.
You don't know their circumstances, you don't know what networking they did or previous experiences they had.
The most important thing is to focus on yourself and your craft. Remember, Vtubing is like writing a book. And right now, you might be on the prologue, or chapter 1 or 2.
While others may already be on chapter 20.
Don't stress about CCV. Some days will be slower than others. Streaming to zero people can be disheartening, but don't let it get you down.
If you place your entire enjoyment of the medium upon whether or not you're attaining success, then you'll just end up burning yourself out.
Channel the inevitable disappointments back into your craft. Push through the hard moments and keep your passion ignited.
Meta this, meta that. Algorithm this, algorithm that.
What worked for others may not work for you. There's no be all end all answer to success when it comes to Vtubing.
Life is full of many doors, Ed-boy. Open the one that works best for you.