RE: Which one would it be: Hive Upvotes Or Hive Engagements?

I totally agree with you.
Whenever I post, I usually look forward to people engaging with it. It makes me, as an author feel like what I did worth something. And so even at times when my post doesn't get a lot of upvotes, if there is enough engagement in it, I'm satisfied.

And of course, the major way to get engagement is to initiate yourself. Engage in other posts and you will receive engagement in yours.
Nice perspective !