Upvoting/downvoting is what gives Steem value, however it's the opinion flagging that is cause for concern. Flagging for abuse, spam and Plagerism is absolutely required. The problem I see going forward is going to be groups getting together to combat the issue of opinion flagging. Why anyone would want to flag the fiction workshop is beyond me as they are a valid institution helping people create great content for the enjoyment of others. If that kind of flagging continues it will escalate into a tit for tat war and then the validity of the platform will come into question. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that.