From day one, I put nearly everything I earned into SP. I'd focus on my art and the way I can attract attention with my words. Much like fishing, I'd wait patiently or keep casting until I got a few bites. It takes time, but I did well. Better than many. Now I can give back with a higher powered vote, but it seems like people don't want it. All of that work I put into this vote of mine now seems useless because people can just purchase that amount. Sure, my vote would be pure profit but some would sooner slap me in the face and say a $3.00 vote isn't enough.
What you do is up to you. If you want to spend money, do that. If you want to make money, do that.
preach.