I do see your point and I do agree, but only to some extent. If we are talking about the same article, I don't agree with what you've said in that case.
The article is authored by someone close to this person. It's a "love, laugh and memory"-type of letter. It contains memories, feelings and also sadness and that should definitely be rewarded in my opinion.
However, if you, me or anyone else, not close to this person would publish articles about this as some sort of "news" or whatever, then we should definitely not be rewarded for it.
I have never shared the entire story about my father's death for instance. I've mentioned a couple of things here and there but never a fully-blown article about it. - However, if I come to the decision that I want to share it, then I'd appreciate rewards for it too. - Would it be wrong to accept rewards for my personal feelings, my experience, my sadness and the memories I have?
I know my father would've loved to see such an article sky-rocket to the moon and be rewarded with thousands of dollars. - That's financial help to me, which is always appreciated, but it would also be something similar to a "tribute" to honor him.
That being said, I do agree on the point that people shouldn't be able to reap rewards just for stating the obvious. Basic announcements should definitely not be rewarded.
RE: Decline payouts for sensitive posts - a better way to show affection!