It is a clear loop that most Steemians enter.
- create content, establish a following
- curate content and nurture newbies
- invest in the platform itself by putting themselves second.
- leave or stay
On the topic of downvotes, these are very important to the community, and I believe it can be reasoned that those who downvote the most care about the community the most.
It is taking away from what you can earn ( via curation) and sending a message that its your belief that it is not okay for that person's stake to be used in that way.