The way I understand it, comments are to form discussion. If the reader's contribution to the discussion adds value to the discussion then it should receive an upvote. That is reward for contribution.
Acknowledging a comment regardless of it's value is courtesy.
An attitude that every comment should receive an upvote strikes me as someone from what I call the entitled generation. The one where kids don't experience failure or losing cause they all have to be empowered instead of learning that life isn't always about being the winner, sometimes you have to learn to lose and deal with disappointment.
The pampered millenials! I know what you mean. An entire generation bred by the media and government to be devoid of any responsibility. Just blame someone or something for your situation!
sadly, that pampering begins at home. Parents who just can't bring themselves to see Jane or John fail or lose. I have a sister who is like that. Her two boys lack for nothing and if one doesn't succeed, well he must have health issues. She was rather miffed when one of my brothers commented that her boys would never know they had a good day because they have never had a bad day. He's right