If upvotes are based simply on perception, why not accept that downvotes are also based simply on perception?
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "based simply on perception", as you seem to suggest that perception obviates explanation. Votes are based on understanding the merits (or lack thereof) of the post. However, it is reasonable to assume that a poster understands why you upvoted -- it is for the same reason that he thought the post was worth making. It is not reasonable to assume that he understands why you downvoted, except, perhaps, in the case of a proposal, where downvoting is often used to signal disagreement.
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In reply to Re^4: Encouraging comments for downvotes by Roy Johnson
in thread Encouraging comments for downvotes by disciple

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