I dunno why people would rate your reviews not helpful then..... no offense to anyone..... but some people are just dumb and/or contrary. Well from a person who depends on and appreciates detailed and objective reviews. THANKS!

I'm really fickle about how I spend my money too...

I also always look at the bad reviews first. If well written, it will stick with me more (or should I say not necessarily bad, but critical, not all positive?), way more, than a positive review. even a detailed positive one. Positive reviews I tend to trust only if I know the reviewer from other products, and know s/he does not praise everything. So then I listen to the critical reviewer rather than to the particularly positive review, if that makes sense to you?
I tend to rate a majority of "bad"/critical reviews helpful. They ARE more helpful than the all-honey-and-sunshine ones. I end up buying the product nevertheless (unless the points criticized are deal-breakers for me), I just feel better making an informed decision. It makes me feel my money is not a risk.
I have never rated a somewhat negative review unhelpful unless the reproach was not product related ("amazon sent me a damaged copy and wont replace it I hate them"), or just unfair ("this woman cannot keep my interest.. I do not like her looks bla bla").
I am guessing most review readers look for balanced and slightly over-critical reviews, like most people here have indicated.
If you reviewed a very famous dancer's product (Rachel Brice?) it might not be family and friends, but over devoted fans who feel hurt. Dont give them a single thought, they ll grow and learn :)