Going back to one of your possible reasons people leave Steemit "Unable to find good relevant content". We join Steemit because we believe, and we stayed on because we understand how it works and were/are able to find interesting content that we liked and upvoted (and still like and upvote).
My simple answer to your question is a deafening YES but only if their accounts are still producing interesting and relevant content that speak to you. Like you've mentioned, the mutual support and growth go way back. This may also contribute to the feeling of nostalgia that influences the way you upvote. But if those accounts are reduced to just "Good Morning" messages, then the real question is whether we allow our head or heart to vote.
I really appreciate your content and mission here on Steemit, and I believe they appeal to many you've have invited here too. So this is my head and heart that upvoted you, and will continually upvoting for as long as they speak to me.
Cheers!