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It's not that they downvote, it's how they downvote. Which I've seen some of it here but not as much.
Yes, downvotea are fine. It's a form of moderation. Downloading things that add to the conversation but you disagree with is childish
I generally try not to downvote comments unless someone says something either very stupid or if it's some sort of propaganda. If someone makes a good argument against me, or just disagrees with me, I don't downvote their replies.
If it's good enough, upvote it!
If it's rude or dull, wasting your, and everyone's time, downvote it.
If it's neither, do nothing.
Voting is for visibility, not agreement.
With posts, sure, but comments aren't posts or content they are part of a conversation. You don't need to downvote a comment to elevate another. You can simply upvote.Let me put it to you this way, you are having a conversation with someone then a stranger comes along and starts booing at something you said, would you think it's necessary? There is a similar concept in black mirror where people all rate each other. Its not conducive to a welcoming environment when we start downvoting people for things because they are 'dull' and becomes toxic quickly, it's a form of emotional/social violence.
I agreed you don't need to downvore one to elevate another. However, done commenta merit upvote. Many merit nothing but reading. Some merit downvotes.
At a guess, I'd say one downvotes for every 50 upvotes is my stat, but the downvote button has a purpose.