Those who yell the loudest ... My view, you earned it or bought it use it how you want. I also think if it is real engagement, why not vote it up. Are we going to say the voting bots are "better players" then someone who is actually making a comment on the site? I disagree.
I can't speak for all the whales, most have remained silent, but I don't see those focusing on the self-voting getting a lot of whale support. Maybe they are speaking with their votes.
I can see that it would be problem if everyone only voted for themselves, but that isn't the case.