Again, I disagree. We get money from the platform and blockchain, not from Steemit Inc. The whole point is that it is worth something on fb... We just don't get paid for that value, it goes to fb instead. Steemit's whole point is that the value belongs to us.
Keeping the community healthy means different things to different people. To me it means honoring value where you find it... yes, even your own. Also there seemed to be an insinuation that you were getting more upvotes because you stopped upvoting yourself. My main point is that it makes little to no difference. I've been here a while and have done a LOT of research on this point.
It's not a fight for me, lol. I'm just pointing out a counter-opinion based on my experiences. I don't want you to make newbies feel bad about upping themselves, especially if they deliver value. That is a personal decision, and doesn't really effect the platform that much if you're a minnow (I don't think it really effects it negatively even if you're larger).
Upping your own posts does add value to the community. Remember, you get SP from those posts which will make your votes towards others even more powerful. Again, it's a bit of a moot point if you're under a 1,000 SP.
I like argument-based discussions, too :). Hope this helps.
I agree with @jenkinrocket
My posts are worth something, your posts are worth something. But I AM MUCH MORE LIKELY TO VOTE FOR MYSELF than anyone else is, at first, especially. Just trying to get the ball rolling around here has been a great labor (of love). But while I'm still looking for my audience and followers, and my own writing style, I'll keep voting for those I enjoy, and myself.