With all due respect, this idea of a “base income” in the comments doesn't make sense to me. If you really don't chase quantity, but value quality above all, if people really have to show passion, individuality and effort to get some reward from you - leave it as it is.
Besides, I think you'll lose the main thing you really like - your personal free and subjective assessment of the quality of each comment.
RE: $1 comment upvotes for everyone