I've learned that if you take the time to post factual helpful answers then you'll end up with tire tread marks across your back from the simmers posting whatever answer fancies them at the time just to get the post out first and get the bene.
The funny part is, answering a question almost never gets a bene, even for the first poster and even if they are promised... and in a few cases, even if the original poster *says* he gave a bene. This used to be obvious back when the bene count was displayed with every post. Now, bene counts didn't always update right away, but when three other people have posted *after* someone said they gave benes, the count should have shown.
Hook
I noticed that too. I counted all my benes and posts once a long time ago, and I was surprised how few of my posts got a bene. Maybe 18%. Now not all of my posts were answers, but still, it was apparent that many people just don't give out benes (or use them up right away). I think Maxis' intentions were noble, but the BBS community didn't buy the vision, and just obsessed over their rank. Now, 30-50% of the threads feel the need to advertise benes just to get a response.