Good content is a big part of the equation, but it
is certain not "all you really need".
But let's just talk about your theory, just the
content part.
You can have the best good content there is and...
1. If your content is duplicate...
2. Isn't unique enough (w-shingling)...
3. Isn't in the right place -- titled wrong, wrong silo, etc...
4. Doesn't have the right LSI/related terms that should be found...
5. There's more I can list...
It won't rank well for long, if at all. How long before the next slap?
You keep doing what you are doing if you want, but I wouldn't
call myself a guru with what I've seen presented.
BTW, thanks OP for the post... I can see you're trying.
... all you really need is good content! ...