Points don't matter. Like the OP indicated, visibilty does, as do theme weeks.
Positive interactions, getting to know various memers by posting on theirs, etc, - get folks to know you, seek your memes as you seek theirs.
Some try to shortcut their way by syncophanting top memers, which is rather pathetic.
Those often overdo it and burnout after a few months, gone.
Timing is often a factor when submitting. Ask Raydog about that. Something like the wee early hours so that they feature round when everyone is at work in the US.
Popular templates clear sooner, so bear that in mind when submitting originals.