That assumes all saints use up all the votes every day. More often than not, I cast less than 5 votes a day.

Yeah me too. But my point is still valid, there are far more votes available in th system now, but without a corresponding increase in volume.

Otherwise, you are suggesting that it's ok to vote ++ to gain XP.

Well, actually I was thinking of the people who mass downvote or the like as was mentioned in the OP. But you're right: One should vote to make a point and not to make XP.