We can do whatever we like. On Steemit some actions will get you censored. Smooth uses his votes on other things for now, his choice. Hive would be a cesspit without downvotes and I doubt you have seen much of the crap we have to deal with. Disagreement with rewards was there in the original Steem white paper as a reason for downvoting. Again, you have one from him!

Who are these people you introduced and those who lost rewards? Share their posts and maybe others can support them.

I don't want you to leave or discourage others. It is not as bad as you are making out.