Yep, took out 400 Hive recently so that I wouldn't starve. Worked my ass off for it too. Hard times we're living in.
I understand the perspective with saving and spending as little as possible. Sometimes I see it as the right move. I probably will not continue giving out as much in tips as I have been lately, but making new connections is also important, and tips are a nice show of character in my opinion. It's either that or only vote my friends that I know 100% all the time and then their perspective might become "he's a circle jerking asshole who doesn't care about community."
I've had those accusations thrown my way before in places like LEO, even though they specifically chose the week where I upvoted myself the most to use the stats against me, negating everything I do on Hive, with intent to increase my stake to help my buddies, but hey... Everyone has a different perspective, and many are non trusting by nature.
EDIT: Correction.. POB, but I'm sure the same cowards were stalking me there too... I bet I was even voting those coward stalkers at times.