I understand that every one behind steemit account has their own views and tastes on which to give their upvotes and it doesn't matter how powerful your upvote value. But there are some points that we maybe missing and that is not everyone has that influence nor skills to create a posts that would suit to a reader' interest. Others could barely make few sentences on her/his posts but it shouldn't disqualify him/her from our upvotes.
I have been discouraged by people here begging for upvotes. I hate it! But I've come to realize that those might be an act of disperation due to a consistent small rewards they received from their posts and it was indeed. And by visiting his account and generously give your upvotes could make him stay inside steemit (who knows). I respecf everyone's perspectives of giving their upvotes and of course it is not for free as you said but it's a decision and yes with consequences comes along.
I think some Whales I know have been so generous of their upvotes. @surpassinggoogle for example, he has been so supportive and it doesn't matter about the value of upvotes he gave, the thing is HE GAVE HIS UPVOTES period :). And that is a powerful support!