Yes you are right no shorcuts but very helpfull tools. On step 2 you can use RemoteThumbs and just choose niches and sponsors and it can save you a couple of hours a day. plus you have sites that have fresh content or new content on any given schedule this may help bookmarks.
But you still have to be consistent.
and these 2
(try
http://www.curiouscash.com and/or
http://www.netpondcash.com as 2 fine examples) Kick ass and they are RT compatible
meat is going to send us a shitload of galleries soon so more and more money making opportunities from the sponsors you like and a tool that can help.