I submit that it is minnows self votes that are mostly meaningless, as they have great value in encouraging others, who would be excited to receive your vote. Would you rather have $.02, or a friend?
I do understand discouragement. I have posts in the pipeline that have $.03 in rewards. I am not rich, except in friends.
If you have a look at my latest post, you will see how much more valuable community is to me than mere money (I don't want to link it here, because that would be spammy). I only suggest it because it so exemplifies my point.