I don't think that is true. I know it looked like the links are inactive. I think that was simply a glitch in the blockchain or in the Internet. It seems that traffic can be too heavy at times. Plus, if you change the title to your post, then that may break an old link. Well, that depends on whether the URL changes as you change and edit the title. I have clicked on things and it did not work. And then I waited and clicked on the same link on Steemit and it would work. I agree with you concerning downvoting.