Yep, I'm in agreement with you on this one. I've invested in Steem, and as with all of my investments, I expect a return on it.
I try to shoot for a 50/50 split. I upvote somone else for every self upvote. This gives me an acceptable ROI on my investment from my perspective and also allows me to spread some love to others.
If I'm taking the effort to invest, interact and engage on the platform I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to do so.
I too believe this is entirely reasonable, and not cause for being spurned or humiliation, and no call for abuse.