I am on Hive since 2016 and still don't understand it.

I think a lot of people try to get in the good books of the bigger guys and always vote for them, you will see there are a few accounts that always get high volume and high value votes, never mind the content. They can post "test" and get close to $100.00. It also has to do with auto voting, that try to maximise earnings for the voter.