However, if I don't vote myself because I don't deem my vote worth anything, why should I give others what I think is worthless? Well, this is where engagement comes in handy. Considering the scarcity of feedback, I believe by interacting with other people we create value.

this is the key in my opinion. i don't self vote because i already have my own feedback. i know if i've produced something good or something so-so (or something bad!). but i have no idea what others think about it. but there's this handy tool that gives readers the ability to show if they found your writing valuable, and how much. it's a sliding scale! amazing! and they get rewarded as well!? double amazing!

vote power serves the community best if it provides actual feedback. there is no "Proof of Brain" in a self-vote.

i can't stop others from self-voting or alt account voting or whatever, but i believe it is rather short-sighted.