I was on etsy a few years ago and nothing. I started again last summer. I have less than 12 items on at once usually, mostly small quilt tops. I just checked my stats, I have had 13 sales since last June.
I agree, you can't just list items and then sit back. You have to work the system. Put people in your circle. Find similar items to yours that you like, favorite the item, add the seller to your circle. I don't know how but this works. When I see an Etsy link in a signature here on the QB I add them to my circle.
Several times people have put one of my items in a treasury list and it sells within days. I am quite happy with Etsy and am selling more on etsy than on ebay lately.
ETA - waving at Tammy, you are in my circle!