You have a great point, especially in the last paragraph. (We the community decide what is acceptable) I honestly think that every person should choose what to do with his/her upvotes, and you are right, if you think your content is exceptional, why not give yourself an upvote. (It is deserved) And, as this case proves, people tend to exploit everything that can get them advantage in any way. (But that's life, we have to do our best to show that it isn't appropriate and that it won't be tolerated) While reading other posts here, I could hardly escape the fact that upvotes had become a taboo subject. Minnows are afraid to use the word flag or downvote in fear of retaliation of somekind and that's the problem. They need to be encouraged to do their best to make this even better community than it is. We, the community, are the only ones that matter here, nothing else does - we make Steemit the experience it is today! Have a nice day @sykochica, sorry for the long post. It's been a pleasure reading you, as always.