Exactly on point @rusticman1 about how people think they 'have' huge following when all they have is just numbers.
I used to follow everyone who followed me until I realized I was being stupid instead of generous (which I believe in being). I changed my generosity to replying to each and every comment on my blog and upvoting the vest comments.
I came across a tutorial yesterday (mis)guiding people on how to get more followers. He was telling people to follow a shipload of people to get a percentage of followers from them. I intervened and left a comment there containing link to one of my posts on topic.
You have highlighted the issue well. Thanks a lot.