I'm not sure any decent writer does it for reader-love, it's too self serving. i do it because my brain would explode if i didn't, feedback is lovely and wonderful and helps but when i wrote on other sites (such as StoriesOnline which is mostly het and so decent gay stuff doesn't get much of a look in) i survived for years with little to no feedback. i love having feedback, it makes me a better writer, but it can't be the reason to write.
after all, no one would you to a gig of someone who only became a musician to get fans. there'd be no substance