Not exactly. The Bitcoin protocol allows a miner to create a coinbase reward for solving a block. That takes a lot of work, hence proof of work. When I upvote someone and hence, give them steem power, I did no work what so ever. I think THAT is the different twist that has people concerned. I literally give value out of thin air, no work required.
RE: The Great Steem Debate: Berwick VS Sovryn - Steem Discussed for Hours on National Radio!