So you mean that the curation reward sbi gets should be implemented to some degree as a kind of upvote for sbi to enhance the balance of the post creator? That would benefit users with a lot of followers and users who are using smartsteem/minnowbooster because these votes aren't easily identified as vote bots. And it would be a disadvantage for new users.
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We could try and filter out paid votes. I thought most of them happen near the time the @smartmarket vote hits but it could be staggered for whatever reason.
We can create a front-running bot that would DQ any user with recent @smartmarket or MB transaction which could help. Believe you me, I try not to support bid bots and, by extension, that means a support less content with paid votes. We gotta get smarter if we really want change. I don't believe it's a pipe dream but achieving it requires proof-of-brain advocates to stand together. (Plug for @edicted's POB DAO)
I think we should all want them to get off their butts and curate as Steem was intended but they won't as long as generally their ROI is better than that a participating member of the network as the effort required is minimal.
Every bid sent to the bots is counter to that objective and the bot owners know this but it's too convenient for them to hold on to their goose laying golden eggs. I'm glad SBI rewards activity.
Not sure about the lot of followers thing but I know some users have established considerable following using the visibility the vote sellers provide them which is a bummer for those grinding hard to establish a following by social interaction and community building. The latter group is way more valuable to Steem.
Personally, I am pleased with quality over quantity of followers. I don't think volume of followers necessarily gives the user an advantage but the real connections. Sure many large accounts have amassed puppet followers because they can with claimed accounts. It's smoke and mirrors, my friend.
We were all once new here and I reckon it is more difficult than when I started back in the end of 2016 (mostly inactive at that time observing). Maybe, we should work in more initiatives to empower new users and scouting for fresh talent. We know our blockchain needs it.
Thanks for the comment. You got my mental hamster wheel turnin'.