Well, usually a post got that numerical upvote when they are curated. Example, if your post gets curated by Curangel, or Qurator, then the number of upvotes will be by the hundredths. I think that is one big factor why the upvotes would have a striking difference from the comment itself.
But you are right, we should stop thinking about money. We need to engage more, and unearth the hidden talents we have here, before they leave. 😍