Don’t forget the old “downvote the other comments so mine goes to the top “ trick.

All your best stuff will get downvoted by at least somebody eventually. For some reason, that somebody always gets in early enough that you notice.

I don't think that's certain at all. What affects votes is:

1. Being near the top of the page

2. Having a downvote already

You can curtail the bandwagon effect by complaining.