In terms of feeling like mapmaking is an uphill battle because you'll put so much effort into something that few people will probably actually play, this isn't the same, but I think it's similar. Jeff Gerstmann's review for Super Mario Maker has an interesting point:
>Ultimately, this is how I'd recommend you play the game, as well. Play it with at least one friend in mind. Make levels and send them back and forth... You don't need fancy streaming equipment or social media to make Super Mario Maker work. You just need someone who's willing to go down the rabbit hole with you. One person.
I've never tried it nor have I tried mapping either, but this seems like an interesting way to feel like mapping is meaningful. Having at least one someone who will play and react to whatever garbage you make while you play and react to theirs could give an immediate sense of progression and continuity in your mapping career: you make a map, you get a response on it, you play your friend's map and get inspiration for yours, and there's a collaborative, conversational process that would naturally evolve your skills over time.
Of course, step one is making a friend who will learn to map with you. Of course, step zero is making friends.