I've had the opposite experience lately, but earlier in the summer my engagement really slowed down.
Remember that SN is still a pretty small community and a couple people going on a summer vacation with their families could make a big change to your experience.
depends on the content posted...
if the content is tutorial-like informative or relevant to readers, it will undoubtedly get you hundreds of sats.
I, for example, have already piled up many of sats since I met SN and I am very grateful to everyone here for the tips and for all kinds of help, from a meme that changes my bad mood, even advice on how to improve sleep.
about the stats: ask the guy in the straw hat 👒 @k00b