I kinda understand what you're going trough. Being known by a lot of people was a main objective years ago, but my opinions on the issue has changed. I still want people to like my projects, and I want to open a Kofi when that happens. Like you I want a public and donations (everyone wants too), but in a different approach of what I was having in my mind has a kid. I'm not saying that you should give up in your path and that mine's in the only valid, but more that I change my approach to the issue. I don't know what more to say to help you, sorry If I make your post about me, I think sharing experiences may be good to the topic. Good luck in your work! At the end of the day, all of this comes down to keep creating projects and people who enjoy these projects.
(This was a more largue text but I accidentally close my browser)