I admit that I watch the tools, such as http://catchawhale.com/ but what I have found is that I really don't care anymore. I figure that if the post or comment is good, then they will see it regardless, and all of us will benefit the community by properly posting good content, upvoting properly and commenting when one feels they can add worthwhile content.
I suppose that if I were only trying to earn money and build my wallet using the original $10 worth of steem, then it would be a lot more important, but for me the tools that show whale, dolphin, shark, tilapia, and minnow prescence are just fun and educational.