Welcome, @teutonimum. I guess I'm not really the official greeter here, but I thought I'd say hi anyway and to make a comment on your placing.

I think you're finish is a great place to be, especially if it's the first time in the leagues (it's hard to keep track who's been around and who's new). Self-upvoting does have an effect, but believe it or not, it's not as a big an issue as the amount of characters, (CL), the number of overall comments (C), and the number of second tier replies (CR).

I don't know the formula—that's only several weeks of observing on my part—so take it for what you wish. There always seems to be more to do around here in order to get into the Top 10, let alone higher. :)

Good luck.