There is definitely some controversy surrounding the "upvoting oneself" question. I think it is currently just as it should be, and that it won't change in a wee long while (if ever). I mean, you CAN ACTUALLY LIKE what who have written. I usually do. And it's not worth heaps either, it just feels good to be able to give yourself some reward. Plus, it's the #1 reason there are whales on this site (besides having steem as a sheer investment). Having bought steem and invested long-term by powering up should grant you some benefits.