There were a couple of things. The vote I see as a tool to hand out to other users. In order to grow it is your beat weapon and I use it to support those around me. The engagement league run by @abh12345 penalises you if you self vote as well. When I first started I self voted as that was the only votes my posts used to get, but as I started to receive comments I handed them all out. I don't believe in small votes so will give whatever I can to show gratitude. I wish I was bigger as I would give generously to everyone.