I do the same thing which is why you see votes from me on most of your posts. :)
I wasn't around for the view counter. I can't imagine why it was removed.
One thing that I have a love/ hate relationship with are curation trails. I love being on them, but knowing that 60 odd votes are from people who auto-vote my work kind of makes me realise that many of the voters probably didn't even see my post.
RE: Before You All Go: I'd Just Like To Say Thank You