A lot of people see commenting as hard work, and well it is at times.

Yes it is. I spend more time on comments than I do writing often enough, and I spend a lot of time writing.

they are post that provoke a comment,

This is where content matters - rarely is there short content so engaging it is worth the time engaging with - unless there is a vote on offer. Most will scroll through, maybe upvote.

It is not easy to do, the comment thing. There was a bit of fear at the very start of my commenting on steem post. I got flagged for a real question of "how did you do that" about formatting. (it was the small sub script). It did not stop me from commenting, but it did slow my start some.

Really? Now I am curious as to who :D

So far on hive the commenting seems to be more real to me, not small suck up comments, but genuine ones, both long and short form.

I agree completely, but I might also be in a bubble. In general, I have been very fortunate with the comments I get and I truly appreciate the effort people go to - which is why I try to get to most of the comments with a reply and often a vote of gratitude. I find it strange that some of the large and well earning accounts take their audience for granted.