but only if you do it right, otherwise could you lose the lot?

You never lose SP by voting people's posts. So don't worry about that. The payback formula is complicated, like really complicated, and it's dynamic because as the price of Steem changes and as the amount of people who have Powered Up their Steem changes, that affects your payouts.

I have all my Steem in Steem Power. I am long term believer in Steem and I want to influence how the site grows and be able to help people like you out with my votes. That's my choice.

For the less risk averse, the best way to invest in Steem is probably just to write great posts and make great content that helps the community. All you are risking is your time and you get paid 50% in Steem Power and 50% in SBD.

I would say I would not hold unpowered Steem, unless you are an experienced trader. You should turn it into SP or SBD or BTC.

Does this post help or did I make things more confusing?