It might be true that the filter feeder whales are better at feeding themselves than we are at feeding them. But probably not.
For the predatory whales, it's definitely untrue.
The reason dogs live with humans is that it's easier to have their problems solved by the humans than to do it themselves. That's why the phenomenon continues and why it began.
"Feed me"
"I'm hurt, help me"
"I found the thing you wanted. How about a reward?"
If you can solve the whale's problems, then it will have things to say to you.