Great insights man. I don't disagree with anything you say. I remember getting downvoted in the early days and it stung. I poured my soul into a post, it did well and then the downvotes. Now I can understand their importance and why the mechanism is there. I don't really bat an eyelid now when a post is downvoted and realise now it's not personal.
Regarding comments, I endeavour to answer all of mine, out of courtesy. It's great to get the engagement, so the least one can do is be social and respond.
Good shout calling out 
One of my favourite authors on here for quite some time - interesting, engaging, good writer - ticks all the boxes.
RE: Value