Aww - you're too nice. thanks.
I have also noticed this drop in value of pending/payout. your VP drop is more likely a result of auto votes. I adjust those all the time to keep me above 75% as far as possible.

And as with you, I am keen to understand more and more here. It's all so complex - i read the article you linked to and the one I sent you (re-read it).. there are so many ways to ook at everything, I just try not to let the sense of futility bring me to a state of being immobilized - rather push that into creating something out of that sense. It's way better right! I still upvote great posts - but since reading your article, i make sure the post is already pending more than 0.03 SBD. Maybe this is a good way to go?

Have a good 24hrs (day/night whatever ;)