Really, really "victimized". The stealing of cost of an upvote is victimizing people?

Yes, it is. Because its taking something of value through deception.

But your point, that its not a significant victimization has merit.

Here's the problem though. Of all the gambling sites that have stolen huge amounts of money (and there are a lot) none of these thefts or abuses has started out big. They accrue with time. The FTP reserve deficit started out at a few percentage points, used to fund some advertising. Then it grew with the company.

The guy who can steal a vote today can steal a dollar tomorrow, and 10 dollars next month, and 100 dollars next week.