What you say makes a lot of sense to me. However, IMHO, I still feel that there is a semantic problem, that a change is needed in the existing Steemit naming conventions.

In standard English (in this context) the word "Flag" carries terribly negative connotations. A very simple change could remedy this (as you have done in this post) by having the name of that action changed to "Downvote."

There may be a need for "true flags," but if so, they should be a separate entity used only for flagging antisocial behavior, calling attention to user actions that damage or game the system.

😄😇😄