I don't have answers to all the questions, but:
- the upvotes you get are a matter of luck, depends on the number of people that see the post and like it. there is no upper limit. the same goes for resteems.
- I don't think it matter what you upvote, but you will need to check your voting power, because it drains easily, and your upvote won't be worth anything, just moral support for the author
- there's a great debate about upvoting your own posts, but it's mainly about those who are really powerful and they give money to themselves. I can upvote my own post all I want, it won't make a difference
- potential payout means that's what you should get in 7 days. Posts don't earn anymore money after 7 days.
RE: So who wants to tell me how this works? (Newbie)