It is a difficult thing to decide, trail following and delegating does make sense as an account grows, or as the value/price of hive increases. I am thinking that 5000 HP, (which I will have soon), is a good point to be thinking about these things. I hope to be able to keep my own personal vote value at about the $0.23 price at a 25% vote range. This allows me to cast a vote and feel I am giving my two cents so to speak. I currently have a few delegations out, family support and others, and will need to start thinking soon about the HP loan/lease and trail following.
For smaller accounts I have to agree if a person wants to be an active member and grow their account I think it is best for them to keep their vote power and to use it on stuff they like. Th amount of HP a person holds does have a dramatic effect on curation rewards. My curation rewards increased 65% from the delegations you and others gave me for the Earn Cryptocurrency challenge.
Personally I think you should keep the lot for a little while yet. There are many larger accounts who could delegate (and lose a little APR for the good of the cause). Having your vote worth more and sometimes appearing in the top 20 voters list is worth more to you at present.
I've seen that top 20 Voters list mentioned a few times what/where is it, and how does one find where they are on the list? I will have a big re-think about my out-goings after my full power down is done.