Isn't all of the moot with steemit sitting on a 40% stake?

There are a fair number of witnesses that appear to be doing little for the network other than leeching steem. Downvotes seem appropriate to counter them. If the total value of voting percent is based on the absolute value of votes meaning both postiive and negative votes drain your total pool of witness voting power I'm not sure I see the attack scenario. But I fully admit I might be missing something about that conversation.

Arhag, I don't think we've met before. I'm aggroed. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your considerate response.