Making people feel valued is key. And it's not a matter of upvoting, it's letting the people you want to retain be aware that you know they are there. And as you say, it can be a comment, and responding in earnest with more than just a thank you.
There is still a long way to go and a long way to go, but something in which we can all do our part, no matter the size of our vote, is to try to make a community.
100% agree!
Upvotes are just slice of it. It takes much more to keep people here long term.
!CTP