This is completely ridiculous @livinguktaiwan. I can't remember who called me over here, but I do have to concur with everyone who says it's your right to exercise your (down) vote. Or not. I get downvoted by (happily) fleas. So, it makes little if any impact. I did have a few massive downvotes and then I cashed in my SBI and that stopped. It raises another set of questions, though, doesn't it?

And, your question -

Since when did Steemit become a kindergarten?

It's not Steemit, so much, but the children who play on the platform. IMO.