Experimental data from 4f photoemission and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering experiments on the intermediate valent compound YbRh2Si2 have been compared with results of theoretical simulations. It was found that the high-energy excitations inherent to these techniques affect the spectral intensities related to different 4f configurations differently. Although the final states in 4f photoemission and x-ray absorption or resonant inelastic x-ray scattering are rather unalike, a comparable influence was found for both cases. Higher occupied 4f shells seem to be energetically favored in the excited states and appear overemphasized in the spectrum as compared to the ground state. For a quantitative Yb valence determination from x-ray spectroscopies, diagrams are suggested that seem to be applicable also for other intermediate valent Yb compounds.