The problem is thinking that upvotes mean anything. If your goal is to have interesting conversations, then getting replies are maybe what you should value. But focus on conversations starts with how you approach the convo.

Generally that means focusing on the OP. If the OP is some short burp of a statement, the OP isn't there for conversation so the entire thread is a waste of time. Then secondly you can wait a day or so for the up/down locusts to have passed on. OPs who were genuinely interested in discussion will reply a few days later.