Well value is not only defined by monetary outcome here. If you study the trending page´s algo, you can perfectly see how much value comments actually have. The interaction is key. That´s why I couldn´t agree more on your "smiley and me too theory" :) I just can´t stand that anymore. On FB I made the experience that most likes are given for pictures that spread happiness. If you publish some really interesting, profound, inspiring, thought-provoking stuff nobody cares! :D On steemit it´s the complete opposite. That´s actually what I like most about this place.
Thanks for stopping by, it´s much fun keeping the content (thus the conversations related to a certain piece) active during some more days :)