It doesn't matter much at this point to be honest, many are delegating to bid bots or constantly votetrading making it the same as if they voted themselves up 10x a day.
I have to warn you though that many authors and curators frown upon users voting up their short and low effort posts or comments, while at the same time it doesn't help you connect with people and others that might be bigger than you it might at the same time keep you down to a low ROI than if you would use it on others and they might reward you back or thank you for your efforts in your posts/comments.
It's true, I was not considering those aspects that you mentioned in your answer. I liked your argument.