Yes 1 vote is worth $4.9 due to account is at 85% vote power right now hence the 2 per 24 hour post. It will start at 100%.
There are only 7 spots available. There is no worry on the amount of people.
The 25% curation is only when voted at mins 20-30.
If it is with in 2-3 the author gets more of the reward.