Edit: Big thanks to 
for clearing up that the power down is in fact happening and it was an error on my part. details details details. I would like to add that I would be useful if this transaction was shown in my wallet history profile page.
At one point I invested money in steem and powered it up.
From time to time I published a value added blog or comment (and maybe a few snarky comments sprinkled in here and there).
I've successfully ran a contest and paid out the winner (thanks to 
and I've even made a few steemit friend along the way.
Work has picked up and the time is limited at the moment.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON TO NOT BE ABLE TO POWER DOWN YOUR ACCOUNT TO ZERO
No it's not a lot of money, it's a matter of principle. You want an argument for the current banking system? I just found a small one.
For a community that consistently posts about valuing the ability to make your own choices in all aspects of life, I ask you to RESTEEM this (and upvote if you feel so inclined to help this get noticed and some answers).
I still believe in the potential for steem and enjoy it. If someone invents a way to add hours to the day, you'll see me back on the platform...but I won't invest or take much interest in it as long as this is issue/rule/problem/bug whatever it may be, exists on the platform.
Thank you for reading and considering raising awareness and/or providing information about this use case in advance.
tl;dr you should be able to take your steemit account to zero working within the weekly power down structure no matter the balance.