I tell you why they vote for those high ranks because by voting they generate an income. There are only voting and earning 60 dollars or more per week. I on the other hand vote since years mainly newcomers and those with low SP (not necessary new, but they take their Steem and use it). I can tell next to all the contests I host there's not much grow during all those years. I invested in Steem last year and do not use it for my expenses, but it is and remains hard to give a good upvote.
I saw people grow within one year more than I did since I joined.
That makes one think.