I agree with your first paragraph, well said.
I'm not sure who said that to you about your lack of vote value but if more people said things like that, this place would be a much better place. But instead, it's full of people who will do anything for a vote, pander to those with bigger stakes and try to seek favour. I'm fortunate that I see through most of that. Unfortunately, some of the "good ones" also get lumped into that group by mistake.
That's unfortunate, but if it's true, there are all kinds of people, but to avoid getting caught up in spam comments, it's better not to say anything.