Amen. Thank you for discussing a subject that has long since been an interest of mine. Your article—its clarity, incisiveness and overall quality—are evidence that it is still possible for works of merit to become popular. Obviously there are other contributing factors (you are a published author with an audience), however you clearly have an understanding of your craft. Hopefully, if I follow you, more of your offerings will shine through the cracks in the wall of Medium click-bait.

N.B. Further to your short list of writers who only achieved posthumous recognition: Scott Fitzgerald died in 1940 believing he was a failure and his work would never be read. The Great Gatsby, now considered the Great American novel of the 20th century, only gained popularity because the Council on Books in Wartime distributed free copies to American soldiers serving overseas. Meaning there is also a huge element of luck needed for works of genius to become popular.