I'm not sure if this is something that should be bugging me...I'm not sure if my emotions are valid with this one. That's why instead of ranting, I'm just going to discuss this. Discussing happens when I'm not sure if I'm right

A little while ago I put up some new pics on my photography account here on dA. I usually get some feedback, which is great. There seems to be a new trend of "feedback" going down though. I had quite a few people comment or fave something of mine and when I would thank them they'd reply with something along the lines of "Thanks, you should check out my gallery". Now, am I the only person who sees something wrong with this? I know that I would never, ever comment on or favourite someone else's work to only try and get more attention focus on my gallery. I find that tacky, rude, and self-centered. At the same time, however, I understand that the community aspect of dA has been lacking and that many people aren't getting the feedback they need on their art. Are we at that desperate of a point where we have to stoop to such lows to just get someone's opinion on our expertise? It's really sad as I remember being on this site everyday with countless conversations going on with friends, with people giving me constructive criticism on my writing, with there being a sense of hey we're in this together and we're going to help each other grow as the artists we are. Now there seems to be nothing left but bits and pieces of those of us still willing to hold on to dA for whatever reason. I can only imagine how the younger artists feel (yea, I'm old enough to be able to say that now).

Anyway, give me your opinion on this or on dA as a whole. I'm interested in hearing your views.