If I'm a performer, I view my curators as investors. I require these investors so I can perform consistently. I like the fact that I'm giving back by producing content...and at the same time, I like to give votes in return. Many who follow get a follow back, so that's who I'm seeing, that's who I'm voting for. You take your piece of the pie, I get it back when I vote. This all seems so damn fair to me. People working together towards a common goal and everyone wins, slowly, but surely.
I started out at the bottom like anyone else starting today. I didn't invest my money, only my time. This mountain isn't that steep, one just needs the proper climbing gear. If you don't have the right tools for the job, it's going to be harder and that's life.
Many of the people who vote for me, majority, they vote because they like my stuff. It's not about rewards but I'm damn happy they get them. That's where I stand on this whole thing. Everyone needs to put their heads together and find ways to fix the abuse, not allow the abusers to ruin it for everyone else.
Peace!