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True, but the more abuse that happens with those last-second voters as it upsets the bidding process, the fewer voters they will get. I would think that they want more good voters than poor ones as the poor ones upset the apple-cart.

Watching them develop over the past few months. I've only seen them getting more bids. A few weeks ago my bids were generally worth about 3x their value. Now they are closer to 2x. I often see the profitable bids sold out 30 minutes before a vote takes place... though i have also seen what you are talking about where a profitable bid gets wiped out in the last few seconds.

I just don't really think the bot owners will care as long as people are still buying bids.

They might not, but if they can make similar profits and offer a better solution at the same time, then I think as productive Steemians they would wish to do so. Then again, we're all Humans so some might go for it and some might not.