Just joined Renderosity about a week ago and thought I'd add my 2.37 cents worth of perspective on this issue as a Newbie.
Since coming here I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of incredibly beautiful and fascinating artwork here. There simply wouldn't be enough time to vote or comment on all the great work here even if I were online 24/7.
2 things that are I've found to be so:

1. Art like Beauty and Truth is subjective. What's a Hot 20 to one critic is a Lower 40 to another.
2. Politics and favoritism are a part of life online (not to mention back-stabbing and gossip.
   for these reasons, counting comments and votes is a complete waste of time and emotional energy. We're all here because we love to create and we want to share our creations with others...at least that's why I'm here; also to make friends with people who are into what I'm into.
   So let's all hang lose and let the creativity flow!
   There's enough war on CNN! ;0)