I've probably got a bit of "conspiracy theory-itis" here, but maybe that's why Victoria was let go. She knew this was the direction things might go (assistants posting for them, etc), was told to quietly go along with it, and refused.

Not sure how to ask this without it seeming like "herp derp, who cares if I offend someone", but it is really out of genuine curiosity...

are my votes (up or down) somehow visible to others, either globally or to the person being voted on?