SP does determine the vote value though, which in turn changes how many curation votes can be sent in a day and the chance of curation per vote.
For example a 15sp plankton (starter account) can throw about 10-15 curation votes out per day depending on how thin they want to spread themselves.
I, on the other hand, could throw maybe 100 curation votes out of ~10% so I can get a lot more chances for curation. (I likely get a lot less than this since I vote things sometimes just because they're good too.)
For those of us with lower value I find that the metaphorical train leaves the station pretty quick. Some dolphins get $80-$100 STU in the first 5 minutes, that eats up a lot of the curation.
Even your own example shows that with your higher SP you can curate off your own votes, whereas a plankton cannot normally do this.
Random Musings From an American Living in Russia
Have you seen the Trump pee tape? Were there russian hookers with full bladders lined for miles to satisfy the man's urine fetish?
Edit: also let me know if you know any nice russian ladies that want to check out America, or as Trump calls it, "2nd Russia," with a steem guy ;) ;)
You're absolutely correct about these dolphins, which is why I don't suggest trying to "curate" large accounts. Most of my readers aren't going to get a net benefit from it because there is no engagement and the curation benefits don't justify the effort. I can afford to throw around .25 votes on these posts, but I think it is a waste of time still. Better to build a network of loyal followers that will in turn grow and continue to be loyal (fingers crossed).
Yes, the ever popular Trump "pee" video that nobody has ever seen. Clearly Russian hackers have deleted all the copies. The thought that Russian hookers would be anymore interested in a man's urine fetish than any other hookers in the world is baffling. In fact, they would mostly be disgusted by the idea (they a picky like that).
Lots of lovely women here in Russia. You have to be prepared though. They are well educated, well dressed, with sharp wit, and ultra-focused on reaching their goals. Men, are a tool to assist in meeting that end. If the tool gets dull, they will hold it to the fire and then sharpen it or they will toss it out for a new one. ;)
You are always welcome to visit St. Petersburg. I promise a great tour and lots of meet and greets with the locals. You'll never regret it.